THE family of Maria Zaloumis, popularly known as the Zedfarmer, has appealed to Zambians to remain calm and allow justice to take its course following her arrest on murder allegations in Kabwe.
Maria, 40, has been on the spotlight recently after she was taken into police custody over the death of a man who allegedly entered her farm in Munyama, Central Province.
Last week, a disturbing video made rounds on social media showing a man identified as Innocent Kasengele pleading to be untied because the shackles he was put in, were very tight.
It reported that the young man was tied by Zaloumis’ fifth husband Barthram and three farm workers who allegedly tortured him at the Munyama farm with Maria’s voice being heard in the background, questioning Kasengele.
Kasengele, who died shortly after the incident was then surrendered to the police after Maria complained that the young man had been hired to pour poisonous chemicals on her at the farm.
According to police, Kasengele fell ill and was taken to Kabwe Central Hospital where he died the following day.
Since his death, the celebrated farmer has faced intense public scrutiny as netizens and journalists debated her role in the incident.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Maria’s elder sister, Lusaka-based entrepreneur Inutu Zaloumis, urged Zambians to exercise restraint and separate speculation from facts.
Inutu expressed concern over the online attacks, pointing out that Maria is also a mother of three children, aged 15, five and one, who are currently left at home without their mother’s care.
She further urged the public to separate Maria’s private life from their mother, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, stating that the farmer is an independent adult with her own home and business.
“On behalf of the family, my sister Maria and our mother SC Mwangala Zaloumis, I am calling onto fellow Zambians to allow the police to fully investigate this matter before judgment is passed onto her,” said Inutu.
The family insists she is cooperating with police in Kabwe and remains hopeful that justice will be served fairly.
Meanwhile, the Zaloumis family extended condolences to the relatives of the deceased, urging that they too be given space to grieve while police investigations proceed.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 25, 2025
