GRACE CHAILE
LAWYERS representing journalist and business woman, Faith Musonda have dismissed as false social media reports claiming she has been slapped with a new charge of espionage, maintaining that she remains in custody on a charge of criminal trespass.
Her lawyer, Mr Charles Changano, clarified in an interview that Musonda was still remanded at Woodlands Police Station following her apprehension on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
As far as we are concerned, the charge remains criminal trespass. None of the lawyers have been informed about any additional charge, including espionage. If anything else has been done, it was without our knowledge,” said Mr Changano.
Ms Musonda was arrested after allegedly storming Community House, the private residence of President Hakainde Hichilema, around 21:00 hours. According to her legal team, she intended to make an appointment with First Lady Mutinta Hichilema.
“She is still being held at Woodlands. If she has been moved, we were not informed. We’re in the dark about the allegations circulating online,” he added.
Assistant Public Relations Officer at Zambia Police Service, Godfrey Chilabi dismissed the assertion of espionage charge saying Ms Musonda was yet to be charged.
This is not Ms Musonda’s first brush with the law. In 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court ordered the forfeiture of her properties worth over K21 million to the State, which were suspected to be proceeds of crime.
That forfeiture followed a 2021 investigation in which she was found in possession of K65 million, US$57, 900, and a house in New Kasama valued at over K6 million. She had entered into a settlement agreement under Section 80 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 but failed to disclose all assets in her possession, triggering further legal action.
