Zambia Police Denies Access to Findly: Human Rights Commission Raises Alarm

• Prominent Lusaka businessman Valden Harry Findlay was arrested by the Zambia Police Service on August 4, 2026, and subsequently moved to an undisclosed location on August 9, 2026, with his family raising concerns about his safety and access.
• The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has raised alarm over his continued detention and unknown whereabouts.
• The police service has refused to provide access to the detainees or cooperate with the HRC's investigation.

The Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the continued detention and unknown whereabouts of prominent Lusaka businessman Valden Harry Findlay, saying the Zambia Police Service and other security wings have failed to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Valden Harry Findlay, a prominent Lusaka businessman, was arrested by the Zambia Police Service on August 4, 2026, and subsequently moved from police custody to an undisclosed location on August 9, 2026, with his family expressing deep concern over his safety, health, and legal rights, reporting that he has been denied medical attention and his whereabouts are unknown. The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has raised alarm over his continued detention and unknown whereabouts, citing a failure to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights. According to sources, the police have refused to provide access to Findlay and the others, sparking concerns about their safety and well-being.

The HRC has been trying to investigate the circumstances surrounding the detentions, but its efforts have been met with resistance from the Zambia Police Service. The commission's attempts to visit the detainees have been denied, leaving many questions unanswered.

The continued detention of Findlay and others raises concerns about the rule of law in Zambia. The country's constitution guarantees the right to liberty and security of person, but it appears that these rights are being disregarded. The HRC has been critical of the police service's actions, saying they have failed to uphold their duty to protect human rights.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Zambia Police Service has refused to cooperate with the HRC, denying them access to the detainees and refusing to provide information about the circumstances surrounding their detention. This lack of transparency and accountability raises serious questions about the police service's commitment to upholding the law.

The continued detention of Findlay and others has significant implications for business operations in Zambia. Lawyers advising clients on business operations in the country should be aware that the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention is heightened, which could impact compliance with local laws. The situation also raises concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Zambia, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability from the police service.

The HRC's efforts to investigate the detentions are crucial in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. However, the police service's refusal to cooperate has hindered these efforts, leaving many questions unanswered.

Lawyers advising clients on business operations in Zambia should be aware that the continued detention of individuals by the police may indicate a heightened risk of arbitrary arrest and detention, which could impact business operations and compliance with local laws.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]