Zambian MP Faith Munthali's Arrest Sparks Fury: Abduction Claims & Felony Charges Loom

Hon. Faith Munthali, the recently elected Member of Parliament for Mafinga South, has been arrested and charged by the Zambia Police Service in Mafinga District. The charges against Hon. Munthali include Being Armed in Public, contrary to Section 85 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony. This development comes just days after she was sworn in as an MP following her victory in the August 13, 2026 General Elections.

Muchinga Province Commissioner of Police, Lubinda Mayamba, issued a statement detailing the alleged offences, which reportedly occurred between July 13, 2026, and August 14, 2026, in the Muyombe area of Mafinga District. According to Mayamba, Hon. Munthali was allegedly in the company of a group of men who purported to be her security personnel. These individuals are accused of conducting themselves in a military-like manner and being armed with various dangerous implements including machetes, slashers, cutterpults, and golf clubs, thereby causing widespread fear and alarm among members of the public.

Hon. Munthali is jointly charged with Mr. Gift Simfukwe, Mr. Mishack Singongo, and Mr. Royd Musumali. The three co-accused persons have already appeared before the Isoka Resident Magistrate’s Court, where they have taken their plea. The trial for all accused is scheduled to commence on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Currently, Hon. Munthali remains in police custody and is expected to appear before court in due course.

The Zambia Police Service, through Commissioner Mayamba, has issued a stern caution to all political and community leaders. The warning emphasizes the importance of refraining from any conduct that could threaten public order, instigate fear and alarm, or otherwise undermine the peace and security of citizens.

In response to the arrest, Citizens First Acting President Mary Zambezi stated that Hon. Munthali is being held at Chinsali Police Station. Ms. Zambezi indicated that the party is actively working to ascertain Hon. Munthali’s condition and the precise reasons behind her detention, promising further updates as more information becomes available.

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed deep concern over Hon. Munthali’s arrest, describing it as an alleged abduction and a worrying pattern targeting elected opposition leaders. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe acknowledged the lawful mandate of law enforcement agencies, including the Zambia Police Service, to maintain order and investigate criminal conduct. However, she highlighted a troubling trend observed both before and after the 2026 General Elections, where aspiring and elected opposition Members of Parliament face intimidation, harassment, and alleged targeting—a pattern deemed inconsistent with Zambia’s democratic and constitutional order.

Katebe underscored the rule of law as a cornerstone of constitutional democracy, citing Article 18 of the Constitution, which mandates due process for any person suspected of an offence. She stressed that suspects should be accorded the opportunity to appear before police through a lawful call-out, rather than being subjected to extrajudicial or military-style apprehension. NGOCC argues that such conduct, if allowed to persist, undermines Zambia’s obligations under international human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee liberty, security of person, and freedom from arbitrary detention.

Furthermore, NGOCC views the targeting of Hon. Munthali as a direct attack on women’s political participation. Katebe warned that the intimidation of female political leaders, whether real or alleged, sends a chilling message that discourages women from contesting and serving in elective office, thereby reversing hard-won gains in women’s political representation. As a State party to CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and the SADC Gender Protocol, Zambia is obligated to protect women leaders and guarantee their full, equal, and safe participation in public life. The NGOCC also noted that Hon. Munthali had endured verbal and physical attacks prior to her election and continues to face injustice.

NGOCC strongly condemned any intimidation or harassment against Hon. Munthali and called on authorities to uphold the law, protect her rights, and respect the will of the people. The organization demanded that the Zambia Police Service provide an update on Hon. Munthali’s status and ensure that her rights are upheld, including guaranteed safety, formal charging, and immediate access to legal representation in a transparent manner.