WHERE IS FAITH MUNTHALI??

NGOCC demands answers over alleged abduction of newly elected Mafinga South MP, warns of growing intimidation of women leaders

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

LUSAKA, Zambia24 — 12-09-2026 — The Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has condemned the alleged abduction of newly elected Mafinga South Member of Parliament Hon. Faith Munthali, describing the reported incident as deeply worrying and a threat to women’s participation in politics.

Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe told Zambia24 that Munthali, a Citizens First (CF) lawmaker, was among the Members of Parliament sworn in only days ago after her duly recognised electoral victory.

Katebe said the reported incident was concerning because the Zambia Police Service has a lawful mandate to maintain law and order and investigate suspected criminal conduct.

She said NGOCC had observed what it considers a worrying pattern before and after the 2026 General Elections, in which some aspiring and elected Members of Parliament, particularly those from opposition parties, were allegedly subjected to intimidation, harassment and other forms of pressure.

Katebe said if the reports concerning Munthali are confirmed, they would raise serious concerns about the protection of political rights and the operation of the rule of law.

She said the rule of law requires state institutions to exercise their powers within the law and to respect the rights of citizens.

Katebe referred to Article 18 of the Constitution, saying it provides important fair-hearing and due-process protections to persons facing criminal proceedings.

She said, in NGOCC’s view, where authorities require a person to assist with an investigation, such action should be undertaken through lawful procedures and with respect for the person’s rights.

Katebe described the reported circumstances as “extrajudicial or military-style apprehension”, but stressed that NGOCC was calling for the facts surrounding Munthali’s reported disappearance to be established.

She said any confirmed violation of a person's rights would raise serious concerns about the manner in which law-enforcement powers were being exercised.

Katebe said Zambia’s obligations under regional and international human-rights instruments also require respect for liberty, security of person and protection against arbitrary detention.

She said the reported circumstances involving Munthali were particularly concerning because of their potential impact on women’s participation in public and political life.

Katebe said if women political leaders are subjected to intimidation or harassment, the effect could discourage other women from contesting elections or taking up public office.

She said such developments could undermine progress made towards increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions.

Katebe said Zambia, as a State Party to instruments including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol and the SADC Gender Protocol, has commitments to promote women’s equal and meaningful participation in public life.

She said the circumstances surrounding Munthali should therefore be handled transparently and in accordance with the law.

Katebe said Munthali had previously been subjected to what she described as verbal and physical attacks before the election and had continued to face what she considered unfair treatment after her electoral victory.

She said NGOCC considered such reports unacceptable and urged all relevant authorities to ensure that the newly elected MP’s rights and safety were protected.

Katebe called on Government, particularly the Zambia Police Service, to clarify Munthali’s status and whereabouts and provide the public with verified information about the matter.

She said if Munthali was being held in connection with any alleged offence, the authorities should clearly state the basis for the action and ensure that her legal rights, including access to legal representation and due process, were respected.

Katebe further urged authorities to ensure that any investigation involving Munthali was conducted transparently and within the law.

She said NGOCC was not calling for anyone suspected of an offence to be shielded from investigation, but was demanding that any investigation or subsequent proceedings be conducted in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.

Katebe said Zambia was a country governed by laws and that all institutions, including law-enforcement agencies, must exercise their powers within the legal framework.

She said NGOCC would continue to monitor the situation and called for credible information to be provided to the public to prevent speculation surrounding Munthali’s reported disappearance.

Katebe said the organisation remained concerned about the safety of women participating in politics and urged all stakeholders to create an environment in which women could contest elections, serve in public office and express political views without fear of intimidation or harassment.