Lubinda, Kalaba, Zulu unite as Mundubile released on bond

Brian Mundubile has been released on K50,000 police bond after spending a night in custody, in a case that has drawn a unified show of support from opposition political figures and renewed attention to the treatment of political actors in Zambia.

Mundubile, the Tonse Alliance president and Mporokoso Member of Parliament, was arrested after being intercepted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and later detained at police facilities in Lusaka. Authorities have charged him with aiding, abetting and counselling to commit hate speech, contrary to Section 55 read together with Section 65 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.

According to Zambia Police Service Deputy Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha, the allegations relate to a period between February 8, 2023, and January 31, 2025. Police allege that Mundubile acted in concert with another individual to support the operations of a Facebook page known as “Munyaule Zambia,” providing both content and financial assistance to its administrator, identified as Chanda Nonde.

The page is alleged to have published malicious and hateful content targeting individuals over an extended period. Police indicated that Mundubile had previously been warned and cautioned in June 2025 before his arrest on March 19, 2026. He is expected to appear in court on a later date.

While the legal process now moves forward, the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention have drawn strong reaction from opposition figures, many of whom gathered at police premises in Lusaka in a show of solidarity.

Among those present was Given Lubinda, whose appearance alongside Mundubile marked one of the most striking developments of the day. Lubinda, a key figure within the Patriotic Front and associated with a different faction, stood at the forefront as Mundubile was released, a moment that was widely interpreted as a signal of unity across previously divided political lines.

Supporters gathered outside the police facility as Mundubile emerged, with scenes showing him alongside Lubinda in what observers described as a significant moment of political convergence. The presence of Lubinda, at a time when internal disputes within the PF remain unresolved, added weight to calls for cooperation among opposition actors.

Harry Kalaba, president of the Citizens First party, had earlier called for Mundubile’s release, describing the circumstances of his detention as suspicious and raising concerns over the handling of the case. Kalaba questioned why law enforcement agencies had not issued a formal call-out if investigations were ongoing, instead of intercepting Mundubile at the point of travel.

Kalaba further stated that such actions reflect a pattern in which opposition figures have been stopped, questioned or detained under similar circumstances. He linked the incident to broader concerns about the treatment of political actors, referencing cases involving other leaders who have faced restrictions or interrogation.

Makebi Zulu was also among those who attempted to engage with the situation but was earlier denied access to see Mundubile during his detention. Kalaba similarly faced restrictions before Mundubile’s eventual release, developments that added to concerns raised by opposition figures over access and process.

The gathering of political figures across different alliances and factions around Mundubile’s release has been described by those present as a moment of shared purpose. The convergence of leaders who have previously stood on different sides of internal disputes has drawn attention to a possible shift toward cooperation.

The developments come against the backdrop of broader concerns over human rights and political freedoms in Zambia. A recent Human Rights Watch report detailed allegations of increased pressure on opposition figures, including arrests, detentions and restrictions on movement.

The report highlighted what it described as a tightening environment for dissent, noting cases where critics and political opponents have faced legal and administrative action. These concerns have formed part of the wider response to Mundubile’s detention.

Kalaba said such actions raise questions about the country’s readiness to conduct credible elections, adding that the treatment of opposition figures has implications for democratic processes.

The events surrounding Mundubile’s arrest, detention and release have unfolded alongside ongoing political realignments and internal disputes within opposition parties. The presence of multiple leaders at the point of his release has added a new dimension to these developments, suggesting a potential recalibration of relationships within the opposition.

As Mundubile left police custody, the immediate legal process ahead remains defined by the charges laid by authorities. At the same time, the political significance of the moment has centred on the visible unity displayed by opposition figures at the point of his release.