BARNABAS ZULU
HOME Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu has assured the nation that there has been no security breach at President Hakainde Hichilema’s residence, Community House, following the arrest of journalist Faith Musonda near the premises.
Speaking during a media engagement yesterday, Mr Mwiimbu said the swift arrest of Ms Musonda for alleged disorderly conduct was clear proof that security at the residence is intact and effective.
“Members of the press, it is now public knowledge that yesterday on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Zambia Police officers from Lusaka’s Woodlands Police Station apprehended an individual by the name of Faith Musonda, a resident of Chalala in Lusaka, for disorderly conduct,” Mr Mwiimbu said.
He explained that the incident occurred between 23:45 hours on Tuesday, July 1, and 01:00 hours on Wednesday, July 2, when Musonda reportedly approached the Community House premises in a disruptive manner.
“Brief facts of the matter are that on the material day, between Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 23:45 hours and Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 01:00 hours, the suspect went to Community House in the New Kasama residential area, and that upon being approached by security officers, she allegedly conducted herself in a disruptive manner,” he said.
Mr Mwiimbu, however, clarified that the incident does not amount to a breach of security at the President’s residence.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security would like to assure the nation, especially the many concerned members of the public, that the apprehension of Ms Musonda outside Community House for alleged disorderly conduct is not tantamount to a security breach at that residence,” he said.
He also emphasised that security at Community House remains tight and no one will be allowed access without proper clearance.
“We would like to assure the nation that Community House is safe and that we have adequate security arrangements at that place. We are not going to allow any intruder to enter Community House under whatever circumstances,” said Mr Mwiimbu.
“The swift apprehension of Ms Musonda for allegedly conducting herself in a disorderly manner outside Community House, and her failure to enter into the premises of Community House, is sufficient proof that the security arrangements at Community House are indeed adequate.”
He urged all citizens to continue upholding the law and maintaining the peace the country is enjoying under the new dawn administration.
“We would like, at this stage, to appeal to our fellow Zambians to always abide by the law, in order for the generally prevailing peaceful, secure, and stable environment under the new dawn government to be sustained,” he said.
Ms Musonda, a well-known journalist, was taken into police custody in the early hours of Wednesday and is expected to appear in court once investigations are concluded.
