CHIEF MPEPO BREAKS SILENCE OVER DETAINED XAVIER CHUNGU
A traditional ruler in Muchinga Province has become the second senior chief to speak out against the continued detention of former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu, warning that “silence in the face of injustice is complicity.”
Chief Mpepo of Kanchibiya District told the media that denying Mr Chungu bail was a violation of Zambia’s Constitution.
”Bail is not a privilege. It is a constitutional right,” the chief said in a statement released to broadcasters.
Mr Chungu, who also leads the Liberal Democrats Party, has been in detention for over a week. His supporters say new charges have been added simply to keep him locked up.
Chief Mpepo said he was speaking “with a heavy heart” and backed an earlier statement from the Mabumba Royal Establishment in Mansa.
The traditional leader compared Mr Chungu’s case to those of two other political figures—Nixon Chilangwa and Ronald Chitotela—whom he described as innocent people languishing in prison.
”In our Bemba tradition, we say: ‘The greatness of a chicken lies in its feathers.’ Likewise, the strength of a chief lies in the people he protects,” he said.
”If leaders fail to defend their people against injustice, then they are leaders in name only.”
The chief urged all traditional rulers across Zambia to speak out, saying: “Traditional leaders are not mere ornaments of culture. We are guardians of justice.”
He quoted the national anthem—”Free men we stand under the flag”—and warned that Zambia was becoming a place where citizens live in fear.
”Justice delayed is justice denied. Justice denied is democracy destroyed,” Chief Mpepo said.
He called on the government to grant Mr Chungu bail immediately and allow the courts to do their work.
”I speak not for any political party. I speak as a defender of the people,” he added.
The government has not yet commented on Chief Mpepo’s statement.