Affidavit alleges Zambian government, Rosenblatt and Marais plotted to detain Mudolo before elections

Gaofengwe Makoba

Concerns are mounting among legal observers and supporters that the legal pressure facing Zambian businessman and presidential frontrunner Willah Joseph Mudolo forms part of a broader political struggle ahead of Zambia’s elections, with his rapidly growing campaign now seen by allies as a serious challenge to the established political order.

Mudolo’s campaign has reportedly gained significant momentum in recent months, with supporters describing it as one of the most disruptive and fast-growing political movements in the country. Some within his political base argue that his rising popularity has unsettled sections of the political establishment and positioned him as a direct challenger in the upcoming race.

Supporters further claim that Mudolo has effectively become a political threat to President Hakainde Hichilema, arguing that his appeal across business, youth, and diaspora networks is reshaping expectations ahead of the vote.

Political observers say the intensity of the legal developments surrounding him has now become inseparable from the broader political climate, with questions being raised about whether legal processes are being interpreted through an increasingly political lens.

According to an affidavit attributed to Col. Daniel Hosea Marais, allegations have been made that officials linked to the Zambian High Commission in South Africa, including Mrs. Inonge Nyambe Mauta (also referenced as Inonge Mwenya), who serves as First Secretary for Immigration at the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia, were involved in efforts allegedly coordinated with South African authorities, including Prosecutor Desire Rosenblatt and Daniel Hosea Marais, to prevent Mudolo, described as a frontrunner challenger to President Hakainde Hichilema in this year’s elections, from participating politica, Mudolo supporters reportedly claims these actions were politically motivated.

The urgent arrest application was brought by Lieutenant Colonel Daniël Hosea Marais of South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), who alleges Mudolo may abscond ahead of trial.

However, South African advocates Nhlanhla Sithole and Brandon Wesley argue that the affidavit relies heavily on inference, indirect communication, and interpretation of lawful conduct rather than clear evidence of an intention to evade justice.

A key point of contention is a phone call referenced in the affidavit in which Marais says an employee of the Zambian High Commission, “Ms Mauta”, enquired about Mudolo’s trial status and the location of his travel documents.

The affidavit states she also referred to a media report in which Mudolo allegedly indicated he would return to Zambia within days for political campaigning.

To Mudolo’s supporters, the communication raises broader questions about why diplomatic channels appear closely engaged in developments surrounding a rapidly rising political figure during a sensitive election period.

They argue that the inclusion of such communication in a sworn affidavit creates an impression of growing administrative and diplomatic attention around Mudolo’s movements, despite no direct allegation of wrongdoing by the High Commission itself.

A source familiar with discussions alleged that concern had been growing in certain circles about Mudolo’s return to Zambia during the campaign period.

“There is awareness that his presence would significantly shift the political atmosphere,” the source claimed. “The matter is being watched closely at multiple levels, and not just from a legal perspective.”

The source further alleged that communications involving individuals linked to diplomatic structures reflected heightened attention to Mudolo’s movements following his increasing political visibility.

“It is no longer being treated as just a legal case in isolation,” the source said. “There is clear political weight attached to it now, and that changes how everything is viewed. 

Sources within immigration structures have also suggested that Mudolo’s potential return has become a matter of heightened sensitivity within administrative and security discussions.

One source alleged that internal conversations increasingly reflect concern about the political implications of his re-entry into Zambia at a time when campaigning activity is intensifying.

“There is recognition that his return would immediately become a major political event with national attention,” the source claimed. “That reality is influencing how different departments are observing developments.”

“That shift in perception is important,” the source said. “Once something becomes politically charged, every detail is scrutinised differently.”

Mudolo’s legal team has reportedly raised serious concerns over what they describe as possible improper coordination between the investigating officer, the prosecuting authority, and elements within the Zambian government.

According to the defence, this alleged alignment raises questions about the independence of the investigation and whether political considerations may be influencing the pursuit of arrest proceedings.

The affidavit also references a visit by Mudolo to the National Airways Corporation (NAC) at Lanseria Airport, where investigators claim he explored purchasing a Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft valued at approximately US$4.75 million.

Supporters of Mudolo argue the allegation is being overstated, insisting that aviation discussions are standard for high-net-worth business and political figures operating across borders and do not indicate intent to evade justice.

They further argue that engaging with aircraft suppliers or aviation consultants is consistent with international business operations and cannot reasonably be interpreted as evidence of planning to abscond.

Sources link this incident to be a plot by the police officer and the prosecutor Desire Roosenblat. 

Despite criticism, the prosecution maintains that the application must be assessed holistically, arguing that Mudolo’s financial capacity and international links justify concerns about flight risk.

This is a developing story.