SA union calls for release of Zambian lawmaker

The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Fred M’membe, the leader of the Socialist Party of Zambia. M’membe has been detained in Lusaka since 8 August after being charged with ‘seditious practices’. This after he addressed government corruption on social media. ‘Opposition leaders have reported cases of abduction and assault at the hands of police, including Mr Emmanuel Mwamba, who is the former Zambian Ambassador to South Africa,’ said Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim. He pointed out that M'membe was an advocate representing the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court. In addition, he is a member of the International Bar Association, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Southern African Lawyers Association and the Law Association of Zambia.