The Lusaka High Court has issued a strong rebuke to Zambia’s Attorney General’s Chambers for delaying the trial of a high-profile abduction case involving Mr. Vinod Sadhu and Mr. Uddit Sadhu, the owners of Sun Pharmaceutical Ltd. The delay occurred after the Attorney General’s team requested a postponement on the trial’s opening day to amend their defense. The court ordered costs against the Attorney General for this postponement.
Prolonged Wait for Justice
The Sadhus, who have waited over two years for their case to be heard, were scheduled to testify on October 22, 2024. They are pursuing justice against five individuals and the Attorney General of Zambia, who is named in a vicarious capacity. Among the accused is Rashid Munali, the main defendant, who is alleged to have impersonated a State House police officer during the abduction on September 29, 2022. Munali reportedly used threats and intimidation to pressure the Sadhus into signing documents under duress at a private residence on Lufubu Road, Kalundu, in Lusaka.
Details of the Alleged Abduction
The other defendants named in the case include Mweemba, Malambo, Bernard Phiri, and Mwila Chintu, who reportedly have ties to the police and intelligence services. The case has attracted significant attention due to the serious accusations against these individuals, who allegedly acted outside their professional capacities while benefiting from the Attorney General’s defense.
Evidence presented includes chilling details of threats made against Mr. Vinod Sadhu during his captivity, as well as an SOS message he sent from the residence where he and his brother were detained. The government has defended its officials, claiming the Sadhus attended “voluntary” police interviews and left at 17:20 on the same day. However, the Sadhus contend they were forcibly taken from Kent House in an unmarked vehicle to the Kalundu residence, where they were threatened and later brought to Chelstone Police Station. The Sadhus further allege that their captors attempted to alter the incident narrative after intercepting their SOS message.
The presence of members of the Kalenga family at Chelstone Police Station upon the Sadhus’ arrival from the private residence is also disputed, with the State denying their involvement. Additionally, the Sadhus claim they attended formal interviews at the Zambia Police Service Headquarters in March and April 2023, though there is uncertainty about whether any action will be taken against officials involved.
Attorney General’s Chambers Fail to Meet Deadlines
Despite receiving several extensions, the Attorney General’s Chambers have yet to submit witness statements or the required document bundle. They missed the final deadline of May 31, 2024, prompting the court to reprimand them for lack of preparation. The delays have compounded the frustration of the Sadhus, who, after entrusting their case to the Zambian judiciary, continue to wait for justice.
Represented by Simeza Sangwa and Associates under cause number 2023/HP/2001, the Sadhus remain committed to seeking accountability for the harrowing events they endured. As this trial progresses, the case underscores the critical need for procedural efficiency and transparency in Zambia’s legal system, especially when state actors are implicated. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly in instances where alleged misconduct by officials comes under public scrutiny.
