Mutotwe Kafwaya and Binwell Mpundu have raised concern over the detention and line of questioning involving Brian Mundubile, who was intercepted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and later taken to Ibex Police Station in Lusaka.

Speaking during a live broadcast from outside the police facility, Mpundu said Mundubile was stopped at the airport and subjected to several hours of questioning before being moved to Ibex, where he remained as further interrogation was expected to continue.

Mpundu said those present had not been given a clear explanation for the detention, adding that legal representatives were expected to engage authorities to determine the basis of the action and the direction the matter would take.

He stated that information emerging from those who had interacted with Mundubile suggested that the questioning had centred on individuals he had been in contact with. By the time of the broadcast, supporters had gathered outside the station, with Mpundu saying their presence reflected growing interest in the developments.

Kafwaya, who also spoke from Ibex, said he was concerned by the nature of the questions Mundubile had described following his interrogation at the airport. He said the questioning appeared to focus on whether Mundubile had communicated with specific individuals, including Mwata Kazembe, Moses Katumbi, and Spax.

He questioned why engagement with certain figures would attract attention from law enforcement, noting that Mundubile had interacted with a wide range of individuals, including traditional leaders.

Kafwaya raised concern over what he described as selective focus in the questioning, asking why speaking to some individuals would be treated as an issue while others would not. He cited the example of interactions with traditional authorities, questioning whether such engagements could reasonably form the basis of interrogation.

In remarks delivered with a sarcastic tone, Kafwaya called on government to provide clarity on who citizens, particularly those in the opposition, are permitted to speak to. He said authorities should issue a list of individuals and traditional leaders that should not be engaged if such interactions were to be treated as grounds for questioning.

He said without such clarity, the situation created uncertainty about what constitutes acceptable interaction, adding that the developments had raised broader concern among those following the case.

The events unfolded after Mundubile was intercepted at the airport and questioned for several hours before being transported to Ibex Police Station. By the time he arrived, activity around the facility had increased, with supporters and political figures gathering as they awaited updates.

At the time of the statements, no formal public explanation had been issued outlining the specific basis for the detention. Those present indicated that further clarity would depend on engagements between legal representatives and law enforcement authorities.

As the situation continued to unfold, Mundubile remained at Ibex Police Station, with questioning understood to be ongoing and no official statement yet issued detailing the grounds of the detention.

Police detained Brian Mundubile at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and later moved him to Ibex Police Station in Lusaka, where he was held and questioned for several hours as legal representatives sought clarity on the basis of the action.

Mundubile was intercepted while preparing to leave the country and subjected to extended interrogation at the airport before being transported to Ibex police. At the time of his detention, no immediate charge had been publicly confirmed, with those present indicating that lawyers were expected to engage authorities to establish the grounds of the case.

By the time he arrived at Ibex, activity around the station had intensified, with supporters and political figures gathering outside while awaiting updates. The situation remained fluid, with information emerging primarily through those who had access to him during and after the initial questioning.

Accounts relayed from the scene indicate that the interrogation focused on individuals Mundubile had allegedly interacted with, including regional political figures and traditional leaders. Among the names referenced during questioning were figures such as Moses Katumbi, alongside mentions of traditional authorities and locations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Binwell Mpundu, speaking from Ibex Police Station, said Mundubile had been intercepted at the airport and questioned for several hours before being brought to the facility, where further interrogation was expected to continue.

He said that at the time of the initial detention, those present were not aware of any specific charge, adding that legal representatives would provide direction once they had engaged with law enforcement.

Mpundu stated that the situation had drawn concern among those gathered, noting that supporters had assembled at the station in solidarity as they awaited clarity on the matter.

Mutotwe Kafwaya also addressed the situation, stating that he was concerned by the nature of the questions posed during interrogation. He said Mundubile had been asked about whether he had communicated with certain individuals, including figures outside Zambia.

Kafwaya questioned whether interactions with specific individuals could form the basis of police action, adding that there was a need for clarity on what constitutes grounds for such questioning. He said authorities needed to explain the basis upon which Mundubile had been stopped and interrogated.

The sequence of events  interception, extended questioning, and continued detention without immediate public confirmation of a charge has shaped how the case is being followed. Attention has centred on both the substance of the questioning and the process through which the detention has been handled.

Public commentary circulating alongside the incident has framed the episode within a broader concern about the order in which such actions occur. The commentary points to a situation in which questioning appears to precede a clearly defined offence, raising questions about how investigations are initiated and conducted.

It further highlights that when interrogation centres on associations and contacts rather than a stated allegation, the distinction between inquiry and inference becomes a focal point of concern. These views have not been presented as part of the official position but have formed part of the wider public response to the developments.

By evening, the situation remained unresolved, with Mundubile still at Ibex Police Station and no formal public update issued on the exact nature of the case. Lawyers were expected to provide further guidance once engagements with authorities progressed

The Court of Appeal has restrained Miles Bwalya Sampa from interfering with the office of Morgan Ng’ona and from altering Patriotic Front records at the Registrar of Societies, placing the party’s internal dispute under judicial control pending a full hearing.

The interim order, issued in Lusaka under case CAZ/08/151/2026, arises from an appeal filed by Ng’ona, who is listed in court documents as suing in his capacity as member and Secretary General of the Patriotic Front. Sampa is cited as respondent in his role as party president. The order sets immediate limits on actions affecting the party’s administrative structure while the court considers the underlying dispute.

Court records show that the application was supported by an affidavit and argued by counsel for the appellant before the Court of Appeal granted interim relief. The court directed that Sampa, whether acting personally or through agents, must not interfere with Ng’ona’s role and functions as Secretary General. The restriction extends to any attempt to alter official party records maintained at the Registrar of Societies.

The order also carries a penal notice warning that disobedience may result in contempt proceedings, including committal to prison for breach. The notice underscores the binding nature of the directive and signals that the court expects strict compliance while the matter proceeds.

The dispute centres on control and recognition of office bearers within the Patriotic Front, an issue that has been the subject of competing claims within the party. By issuing the interim injunction, the court has preserved the existing administrative position pending determination of the appeal.

An inter partes hearing has been scheduled for 14 April 2026 at 09:00 hours, where the court will consider arguments from both parties on whether the injunction should remain in force, be varied, or discharged. The scheduling of a full hearing places the matter on a defined legal timetable, with both sides expected to present their positions in detail.

In addition to the interim order, the matter has been referred to the Deputy Judge President for appropriate action, and further directed to the full court for consideration. The referral reflects the weight of the issues raised in the application and the potential implications for party governance.

The court documents cite reliance on the Court of Appeal Rules, Statutory Instrument No. 65 of 2016, alongside procedural provisions drawn from Order 59 Rule 10(9) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of England, 1999 edition. The reference situates the application within established procedural frameworks governing injunctions and appellate proceedings.

The order itself was dated 19 March 2026 and signed by K. Muzenga, identified in the document as a Court of Appeal Judge. The record indicates that the court considered the submissions before granting the interim measures now in force.

Legal representation for the appellant is listed as Messrs. Kayula & Associates, with an address in Kabulonga, Lusaka. The filing places the case within the formal appellate process, where the court will determine the legality and scope of actions taken in relation to party leadership positions.

The ruling establishes a temporary legal position that prevents changes to the Patriotic Front’s official records and leadership functions until the appeal is resolved. The outcome of the April hearing will determine whether the restrictions remain or are adjusted as the case progresses.

The Tonse Alliance has condemned the blocking of its president Brian Mundubile from boarding an international flight, describing the incident as an abuse of state authority and a violation of constitutional rights.

In a press statement issued by George Chisanga MP, the alliance states that the action raises serious concerns about freedom of movement and the state of democratic governance in Zambia ahead of the 2026 elections. The development places the incident at the centre of growing political tension, with the alliance framing it as a direct restriction on a senior opposition figure.

The statement says the decision to prevent Mundubile from travelling was unjustified and demands an immediate explanation from authorities responsible for the action. It also calls for the unconditional restoration of his right to travel and accountability for officials involved.

Freedom of movement is recognised under Zambia’s legal framework, and the alliance argues that any limitation must be grounded in law. It maintains that the blocking of Mundubile does not meet that threshold and instead reflects misuse of state systems.

The incident is presented as part of a wider political environment in which opposition figures are facing increased pressure ahead of national elections. The alliance links the development to what it describes as a pattern affecting political actors outside government.

“The arbitrary restriction of this right particularly against a leading opposition figure—is not only unlawful, but also a direct attack on democracy itself,” the statement reads.

Tonse Alliance further states that the development undermines confidence in democratic processes and may have implications for political stability. It warns that actions targeting opposition leadership risk heightening tensions in an already charged electoral environment.

The statement references international attention on Zambia’s governance climate, citing concerns raised in external reports regarding democratic space. It argues that incidents such as this reinforce those concerns and warrant scrutiny.

Mundubile’s reaction, as conveyed in the statement, reflects strong dissatisfaction, with the alliance describing him as shocked by the situation and its broader implications for governance.

The alliance is calling on citizens, civil society organisations, religious institutions, and international stakeholders to take note of the development and support efforts aimed at protecting constitutional freedoms.

It maintains that Zambia’s democratic framework must be upheld through adherence to the rule of law and equal application of rights, regardless of political affiliation.

Full Statement Below.

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

Condemnation of the Blocking of Brian Mundubile from International Travel

The Tonse Alliance expresses its strongest condemnation of the deeply troubling and unjustified action taken today to block its President, Brian Mundubile, from boarding a scheduled international flight.

This incident represents a dangerous escalation in the abuse of state institutions and raises serious concerns about the erosion of constitutional freedoms in Zambia.

The freedom of movement is a fundamental right guaranteed to every citizen under the laws of our Republic. The arbitrary restriction of this right—particularly against a leading opposition figure—is not only unlawful, but also a direct attack on democracy itself.

We therefore demand:

An immediate and full explanation from relevant authorities regarding the legal basis of this action. The unconditional restoration of Hon. Mundubile’s right to travel freely.

Accountability for all officials involved in this abuse of power.

This incident cannot be viewed in isolation. It forms part of a broader and worrying pattern of intimidation and suppression directed at opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming elections.

Such actions undermine the credibility of our democratic processes and elections and threaten national stability.

Let us be clear: Zambia does not belong to any political party or administration—it belongs to its people.

The Tonse Alliance will not be intimidated. We will continue to stand firm in defending democracy, the rule of law, and the rights of all citizens.

President Mundubile is totally flabbergasted at what the country has become under the UPND where the have taken Zambia back to the stone age!

Recently, the US State Department, UN Human Rights Watch charged that Zambia’s democratic space had drastically.

We call upon the people of Zambia, civil society, the church, and the international community to take note of this development and to stand in defense of constitutional order.

Issued by:

GEORGE CHISANGA MP
PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON