While he was granted bail, Zambian police have continued to hold him in Mpima Remand Prison in Kabwe, claiming that he has attempted to escape from lawful custody. He has since also been charged with causing damage to government property – they claimed Mr Pondamali has damaged a police car door handle. On 22 July, he collapsed in his police cell and was admitted to hospital where he is currently being treated for pneumonia while under tight police custody, handcuffed to his hospital bed.