Lusaka High Court orders Attorney-General to pay costs after trial delayed in Sun Pharmaceutical kidnapping case

Postponement of the trial of the kidnapping of the owners of Sun Pharmaceuticals

Lusaka, 26 October 2024 – The High Court in Lusaka has ordered the Attorney-General’s Chambers to pay legal costs following its application to adjourn the trial of the kidnapping of Sun Pharmaceutical Ltd owners, Mr Vinod Sadhu and Mr Uddit Sadhu. This delay was caused by the Attorney General trying to change their defense on the first day of the trial.

After a long two-year wait for justice and having faith in the Zambian judicial system, the Sadhus were scheduled to testify on October 22, 2024 against the five individuals named in the lawsuit, in addition to the Zambian Attorney General who is being sued. The main accused, Rasheed Munali, allegedly impersonated a State House police officer during the September 29, 2022 kidnapping. He allegedly tried to force the directors of the company to sign documents under pressure at House No. 39, Lufubu Road, Kalundu, Lusaka.

Other defendants in the case include Mwimba, Malambo, Bernard Phiri and Mwila Chintu, who are linked to the police and intelligence agencies. The case is notable for the severity of the allegations and the Attorney General’s decision to defend officials alleged to be involved in serious misconduct in their personal capacity, and to file interest reports against Rashid Munali, the alleged ruling party cadre who masterminded the operation.

The evidence presented includes threats of violence made against Mr. Vinod Sadhu while he was incarcerated, an emergency message sent from a private residence where the individuals were being held, and a conflicting statement by the government’s defense, which claimed that Sadhu was being questioned by the police “voluntarily” and left for the same day at 5:20 p.m. However, the Sadhus’ accounts detail the abduction, in which they were taken from Kent House in an unmarked vehicle and then driven to Lufubu Road, Kalunda, where they faced intimidation and threats. They were later taken to Chelstone station, presumably to change the narrative after the kidnappers discovered the SOS message. The Sadhus also claim that Kalenga’s family members were present at the Chelstone police station after their arrival from a private home in Kalunda, an allegation the State denies.

In addition, the company owners’ statements indicate that they attended interviews and signed official statements at the Zambia Police Headquarters on March 27 and April 4, 2023; however, it remains unclear whether any action will be taken against their own officials.

Despite several extensions granted, the Attorney General’s Chambers failed to file the required witness statements or package of documents, missing the May 31, 2024 deadline. The Sadhus are represented by Simeza Sangwa and Associates in case number 2023/HP/2001.

Correspondent Pranab Rajan,