Nigerian Man and Girlfriend Arraigned for Manslaughter in Zambia
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
A 34-year-old Nigerian man, identified as Nathaniel Barthram, and his girlfriend, Maria Zileni Zaloumis, have been arraigned alongside three other suspects in Zambia over the alleged manslaughter of 22-year-old Enoch Simfukwe Kasengele.
According to court documents filed before the Lusaka High Court, the deceased’s mother claimed her son was unlawfully confined, tortured, and later died on August 17, 2025, from a brain contusion. The post-mortem report reportedly confirmed the cause of death.
Gruesome Details Emerge
Akahi News gathered that a disturbing video circulating online allegedly showed Kasengele tied with ropes and beaten while being interrogated by the suspects. His mother asserts that the inhumane treatment led directly to his untimely death.
Reports from the Lusaka Times revealed that the case, initially charged as murder, was later reduced to manslaughter following a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The development allowed the accused persons to apply for bail, which was eventually granted by Magistrate Wamundila Liswaniso.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
The suspects — Zaloumis, Barthram, Daniel Chiluwa, Fortune Mwitangati, and Gift Daka — were alleged to have committed the offence at Onani Farm in Kabwe. Prior to the tragic incident, Barthram reportedly lived at Tuzini Farm, while Zaloumis, a farmer, resided at Wonani Farm.
When the case came up earlier this week, the prosecution confirmed the reduction of the charge, prompting defence lawyers to request bail. The court approved the request, setting K20,000 bail for each accused, with two traceable civil servant sureties per person. Barthram was also ordered to surrender his Nigerian passport as part of the bail conditions.
Family Seeks Justice
The deceased’s family insists that justice must prevail, maintaining that their son’s death was a result of deliberate violence. They have filed a formal claim demanding accountability from the accused.
Meanwhile, the case has been transferred to the High Court for trial, where the accused are expected to appear in the coming weeks.
Akahi News will continue to monitor the proceedings as the Zambian judiciary seeks to determine the culpability of those involved in the tragic incident.
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