Zaloumis, Co-Accused Bailed on Manslaughter Charges
Farmer and entrepreneur Maria Zaloumis - known on social media as ZEDFARMER - and four co-accused have had their murder charges amended to manslaughter, and have subsequently been granted bail by the court.
The development marks a turning point in a case that has captivated public attention since August, when the five were initially charged with the murder of 22-year-old Enock Simfukwe Kasengele.
The charges stem from an incident on August 17, 2025, at Zaloumis' farm in Munyama, Central Province, where Kasengele allegedly trespassed. Police initially arrested and charged five individuals with murder: Maria Zaloumis (40), her Nigerian partner Nathaniel Barthram (34), farm manager Daniel Chilowa (40), Fortune Mwitangati (23), and Gift Daka (25).
According to reports, Kasengele had allegedly entered the farm armed with acid, reportedly intending to harm Zaloumis. A viral video following the incident showed Kasengele allegedly being restrained by some of the accused, and a postmortem report confirmed that his death resulted from injuries sustained during the incident.
The case sparked intense public debate, with discussions ranging from farmers' security concerns to questions about the appropriate level of force in self-defense situations.
A Contentious Journey Through the Justice System
The case initially drew controversy when police arrested the men involved but initially declined to charge Zaloumis herself. Following public outcry on social media, authorities reversed their decision and charged her with murder alongside the others.
Zaloumis' family issued public appeals for restraint and due process, with her sister In'utu Zaloumis emphasizing the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The family noted that Maria has three children—aged 15, five, and one year old—who were separated from their mother during her detention.
Appearing visibly emotional outside the Kabwe Magistrate Court in September, Zaloumis expressed concern over what she described as public persecution, stating that being branded a murderer prior to any court ruling was both unfair and prejudicial to the legal process.
While in custody, Zaloumis filed a habeas corpus application challenging her continued detention without trial. The family also reported death threats to the Zambia Police Service, allegedly from individuals in Botswana, adding another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation.
Legal Significance of the Charge Amendment
The amendment from murder to manslaughter represents a significant shift in the prosecution's case. While murder charges require proof of intent to kill or cause grievous harm with knowledge that death would likely result, manslaughter typically involves unlawful killing without the intent to kill—often in circumstances involving excessive force, negligence, or actions undertaken without murderous intent.
Legal experts have noted that the distinction is crucial. Murder carries far more severe penalties under Zambian law, while manslaughter acknowledges that a death occurred through unlawful actions but without the malice aforethought that characterizes murder.
The decision to amend the charges suggests that prosecutors, after reviewing the evidence, determined that while the actions of the accused led to Kasengele's death, the requisite intent for a murder conviction could not be adequately established.
Bail Granted: A Return Home
The granting of bail means that Zaloumis and her co-accused can now await trial outside of custody, reuniting with their families after weeks of detention. For Zaloumis, this means returning to her three young children and her agricultural enterprise, which has employed numerous people in the local community.
Bail decisions in serious cases typically consider factors including the strength of the evidence, the accused's ties to the community, the likelihood of appearing for trial, and whether the accused poses a danger to the public or witnesses.
The Broader Context: Farm Security in Zambia
Speaking outside court in September, Zaloumis had stated that farmers were suffering due to attacks, noting that when she and others handed Kasengele over to the police, he was walking.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about security on Zambian farms, with agricultural producers increasingly worried about theft, trespassing, and attacks on their properties. The incident has sparked debate about the right to defend one's property and person, and where the line should be drawn between legitimate self-defense and excessive force.
Known across social media as "ZEDFARMER," Maria Zaloumis has been celebrated for revolutionizing farming among young Zambians, particularly women, demonstrating that agricultural success can be cultivated through dedication and hard work.
What Lies Ahead
While the charge amendment and bail grant represent positive developments for the accused, the legal proceedings are far from over. The five will still face trial on manslaughter charges, and the prosecution will need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that their actions unlawfully caused Kasengele's death.
Additionally, Grace Nachilima, the mother of the deceased, has filed a civil suit in the Lusaka High Court against Zaloumis and Barthram, demanding damages exceeding K21 million for her son's death. This parallel civil action will proceed regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.
The legal system will now work to determine the full facts of what transpired on that August day, balancing the rights of the accused with justice for the deceased and his family.
A Case That Continues to Resonate
The Zaloumis case has resonated far beyond the courtroom, touching on themes of justice, equality before the law, farm security, and the proper use of force in self-defense situations. As the case moves forward, it will likely continue to generate discussion about these important issues.
For now, the charge amendment and grant of bail allow the accused to prepare their defense while awaiting their day in court, where the full circumstances of Enock Simfukwe Kasengele's tragic death will be examined and judged according to Zambian law.
The principle of presumption of innocence remains in effect, and the manslaughter trial will ultimately determine the legal accountability for the events that unfolded at the farm in Munyama last August.