Due process or failure Muhabi challenges Zambia’s State”…in the aftermath of the polls and detentions
Due process or failure Muhabi challenges Zambia’s State”
…in the aftermath of the polls and detentions
From Crown TV Zambia—Muhabi Lungu
Lusaka, 13 September 2026 — Zambia’s political temperature continues to rise as opposition figures remain in detention weeks after the disputed 13 August presidential election, with a political analyst and former detainee Muhabi Lungu warning that the country risks sliding into ‘authoritarianism.
Appearing on Crown TV’s flagship current affairs programme Hardball’ Sunday, hosted by Alfred Chimba, Lungu drew parallels between his own treason trial three decades ago and the current plight of opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, who, along with 18 others, face treason charges but have yet to appear in court.
According to Lungu, Mundubile and others are supposed to be presented to court within reasonable time of at least 48 hours by the state after arrest, from his lived experience.
Lungu recalled about 30 years ago, the infamous “Black Mamba” case in which he and eight others, including Rabson Chongo and Inyambo Yeta (then vice president to Dr. Kenneth Kaunda), were charged with treason and murder.
He said, “Judge Peter Chitengi told the state: you have charged these people with serious offences of treason and murder, please bring them to court. That is what due process means,” Lungu said, lamenting that Mundubile, Zulu, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, lawyer George Chisanga, and businessman Patrick Mwansa have not been presented before a judge for weeks.
Lungu accused the state of weaponizing power against political opponents. “President Hichilema himself was jailed in 2017 and detained at Mukobeko. Is this the same reason he is detaining Brian and Makebi, who were not even presidents then?” Lungu asked
He challenged authorities to clarify whether a state of emergency has been declared in zambia, given the prolonged detentions, masked prison warders at Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison, and revoked passports of critics such as Prof. Sishuwa Sishuwa of Harvard, and lawyer activist Celestine Mukandila.
Lungu said, “You cannot withdraw passports just because someone insults you. There are other means to stop insults,” he said.
International observers have echoed concerns. The United Nations urged Zambia to uphold human rights and judicial independence. The African Union warned that prolonged detentions without trial undermine democratic legitimacy.
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) stressed that revoking passports of academics and journalists’ chills free expression.
Together with Amnesty International, SADC, and philanthropist Mo Ibrahim, they have called for transparency, due process, and respect for opposition voices.
The tension has been compounded by reports of polling centres shut down, the kidnapping and shooting of former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, and the continued detention of Brian Mundubile Zulu and 18 others.
Political leaders such as Harry Kalaba argue that Zambia cannot heal while opposition leaders remain behind bars. Analyst activist Isaac Mwanza has demanded speed in resolving the treason case via courts, while veteran politician Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika invoked Mandela’s dictum that reconciliation requires truth and justice.
Muhabi Lungu warned that Zambia risks resembling dysfunctional nations like Congo” if the executive continues to act outside constitutional bounds and fail to take Mundubile to court.
“Autocrats work on fear and mistrust. The NGOs, church mother bodies, trade unions, and political parties must rise and reject fear. If those charged have done anything, bring them to court. If innocent, free them,” he said.
The opposition leaders have now taken court action, demanding that the state commence trial so they can defend themselves. For many Zambians, the question is whether the government will heed calls for due process or continue to rule by decree.
Key Emphasis Points
• Muhabi Lungu recalls his own treason trial, demands due process for Mundubile and Zulu.
• International observers (UN, AU, CLA) voice alarm over prolonged detentions and revoked passports.
• Concerns include shut polling centres, kidnapping and shooting of Mutotwe Kafwaya, and masked warders at Mukobeko.
• Activists Kalaba, Mwanza, and Lewanika call for reconciliation, truth, and speedy justice.
• Opposition leaders file court action demanding trial to defend themselves.
Source: Crown TV Zambia, MUHABI LONGA, Tonse Alliance.