Accompanied by other senior Bemba chiefs, to Mukobeko Maximum Prison in Zambia. The chiefs met with two incarcerated former ministers, Nickson Chilangwa and Ronald Chitotela, who are serving sentences for arson and public property damage. The visit was tightly monitored by state agents and follows previous attempts by the traditional leaders to engage with the government regarding their situation.
Key points from the visit include:
- Encouragement from Traditional Leaders: Paramount Chief Chitimukulu expressed hope and support, assuring the jailed lawmakers of continued prayers and faith in their eventual deliverance.
- Harsh Prison Conditions: Chilangwa and Chitotela shared emotional accounts of severe physical and emotional abuse, humiliation, and mistreatment they have endured in prison, maintaining their innocence.
- Emotional Atmosphere: The interaction was described as emotionally charged, with the former ministers visibly affected by their experiences and expressing anguish over their treatment.
The visit underscores the role of traditional leaders in supporting their community members and raises concerns about the treatment of prisoners and conditions in Zambian prisons.
