FAMILIES of slain State prosecutor Nsama Nsama and UPND member Joseph Kaunda respectively have sued the State in the Lusaka High Court over the extrajudicial killing of the duo by the police.
Nsama’s eldest son Katele, aged 21, who has sued as a beneficiary and administrator of his late father’s estate is demanding K1,515, 270.87 as compensation for loss of life, loss of dependency and special damages.
David Katongo who is suing as the representative of the estate of the late Kaunda is demanding K650,000 as compensation for funeral expenses, legal fees and special damages.
Nsama and Kaunda were shot dead by the police as they dispersed UPND supporters who had gathered at Force Headquarters to offer solidarity to President Hakainde Hichilema who was being quizzed by the police on December 23, 2020 over a farm he purchased in Kalomo district in Southern Province 17 years ago.
Nsama, 44, had gone to buy a snack at LAFE ‘Pa Kabinet’ restaurant in the vicinity of the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) building behind Cabinet Office when he was shot in the chest, while Kaunda was shot in the head when he tried to flee from law enforcement officers.
The two families have cited the Attorney General as the respondent in their matters.
According to statements of claim which are of similar wording, Nsama’s son Katele said the State is liable for the malicious acts of the police officers who were acting under its direction and control in the purported performance of their duties.
He said the police is entrusted with a diverse set of tasks requiring a high degree of integrity, ethics and
Professionalism; and when the same does not function well, law enforcement officers may become vulnerable to acting unlawfully and outside their remit.
Katele said his father was assassinated by a police officer in total violation of his right to life as guaranteed under Article 12 (1) of the Constitution.
Credit: The Mast
Advert
