A High Court judge has withdrawn from presiding over the high-profile manslaughter trial involving prominent Zambian farmer and entrepreneur Maria Zaloumis (popularly known as Zed Farmer), her partner Nathaniel Barthram, and three co-accused farm employees.
During plea proceedings on January 13, 2026, Judge Ireen Mbewe (sitting in Kabwe) recused herself on personal grounds, stating that she shares a personal relationship with Ms. Zaloumis, making it inappropriate for her to hear the matter impartially.
“It is on that basis that I recuse myself from hearing this matter and it shall be sent for reallocation,” Judge Mbewe told the court. The accused will be notified of the new hearing date once the case is assigned to another judge.
Ms. Zaloumis, her Nigerian-origin partner Nathaniel Barthram, and three employees face manslaughter charges in connection with the death of 22-year-old Enock Simfukwe (also reported as Enock Simfukwe Kasengele) on August 17, 2025. Prosecutors allege Simfukwe died at Kabwe Central Hospital after allegedly being tied and subjected to treatment at Tuzini Farms in the Munyama area, Chisamba District, Central Province, following a trespassing incident where he was reportedly found with acid intended to harm Ms. Zaloumis.
Cecilia Kayaya Mporokoso
© Diamond TV Zambia. Republishing full content without permission is prohibited.
