Faith Munthali, Mafinga South MP, allegedly abducted from home

Faith Munthali, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Mafinga South representing the Citizens First (CF) party, has allegedly been abducted from her home. Mary Zambezi, the acting president of CF, reported that approximately 10 individuals, including one person in combat attire, stormed the residence without a search or arrest warrant.

Zambezi stated that the group acted in a crude manner, resulting in an injury to a household employee. According to Zambezi, the police have been unable to confirm Munthali’s current whereabouts. Munthali had previously expressed concerns that there were plans to have her abducted to trigger a by-election in her constituency.

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed deep concern regarding the incident. The NGOCC noted that such targeting of elected officials, particularly those from opposition parties, is inconsistent with Zambia’s constitutional order and the rule of law. The organization further characterized the incident as an attack on women’s political participation, warning that the intimidation of female leaders discourages women from seeking elective office.