A High Court Judge has recused herself from presiding over a manslaughter case involving prominent tomato farmer Maria Zaloumis, also known as Zed Farmer, her husband, and others, following the death of Enoch Simfukwe. Lusaka High Court Judge Ireen Mbewe, who was sitting in Kabwe, withdrew from the matter after stating that she is familiar with Ms Zaloumis’s family. Judge Mbewe said the decision was made in accordance with constitutional requirements that guarantee every person the right to a fair hearing conducted by an impartial court.
“It is on that basis that I recuse myself from hearing this matter and it shall be sent for reallocation,” Judge Mbewe told the accused persons. She further explained that Ms Zaloumis, who is the daughter of Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, and her co-accused will be informed of a new hearing date once the matter is reallocated to another judge. Ms Zaloumis and her husband, Nathaniel Barthram, 34, both of Twin Palma in Lusaka, together with Gift Daka, 23, Fortune Mwitangeti, 27, and Daniel Chilowa, 40, employees of Tuzini Farms in Kabwe, are charged with manslaughter in connection with Mr Simfukwe’s death.
The prosecution alleges that Mr Simfukwe died on August 17, 2025, at Kabwe Central Hospital, where he had been admitted after allegedly being tied and tortured at Tuzini Farms. In a related development, Mr Simfukwe’s mother has filed a civil lawsuit in the Lusaka High Court seeking damages over the death of her son. In response to the civil claim, Ms Zaloumis and Mr Barthram have denied liability, stating that Mr Simfukwe was an intruder at the farm and that they did not torture him. It has further been alleged that Mr Simfukwe was found in possession of acid, which he allegedly intended to use to harm Ms Zaloumis.
Read Full Article on Lusaka Times
