The Livingstone High Court has directed the Officer-In-Charge of Livingstone Central Police Station to bring detained filmmaker David Kazadi before the court on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 09:00 hours. The court warned that failure to comply may result in imprisonment for contempt.
Kazadi, through his lawyers at the Legal Aid Board, filed for a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that he was unlawfully arrested and detained by plain-clothed officers without explanation while working on a film project in Livingstone. He claims the arrest has left him traumatised and anxious, as no new charges have been communicated, nor has he been informed of any breach of his previous police bond.
Kazadi was initially arrested on July 1 in Lusaka and charged with offences related to cyber harassment and the distribution of obscene material. He was released on bond three days later and instructed to return on July 16. However, his re-arrest on July 10 in Livingstone has raised legal concerns.
In his affidavit, Kazadi argues that the renewed detention is unlawful and carried out without justification or proper communication. He believes senior police officials ordered his detention, though their identities remain unknown.
Justice C.M. Lombe issued the writ compelling the police to justify Kazadi’s detention in court. Should the Officer-In-Charge fail to present Kazadi or explain his detainment, the court may move to imprison the officer for contempt.
