Journalist Musonda pleads not guilty to disorderly conduct near Hichilema’s residence, charges of espionage dropped

Lusaka-based journalist Faith Musonda has pleaded not guilty to a charge of idle and disorderly conduct after she allegedly caused a disturbance outside Community House, the official residence of President Hakainde Hichilema, in the early hours of July 1, 2025.

Musonda, 41, of Chalala’s Rock View area, appeared before Lusaka Magistrate Irene Wishimanga, where she denied the charge of behaving in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace,an offence contrary to Section 178(1) of the Penal Code.

Charges of Espionage have, however, been dropped.

According to the charge, Musonda allegedly conducted herself in a disruptive manner in a public space, raising security concerns due to the location and timing of the incident.

Following the plea, Musonda’s lawyers, Charles Changano and Maluza Chongola, immediately applied for bail, arguing that the offence was bailable and that she had a fixed abode.

They assured the court that she would comply with all court summons and presented two sureties ready to stand to in her defence.

In supporting the application, Chongola cited the High Court ruling in The People vs. Mwala Kalaluka, which reaffirmed the subordinate court’s discretion to grant bail in bailable offences where the accused meets set conditions.

“The accused has been in custody for several days and is ready to abide by any conditions the court may impose,” he submitted.

The State did not object to the bail application, leaving the decision to the court’s discretion.

Senior Magistrate Irene Wishimanga granted Musonda bail in the sum of K100,000 with two working sureties. The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2025, for mention.

Musonda, who was described in court as a housewife, has been in the spotlight before, but this is the first time she is facing criminal charges linked to alleged misconduct in a high-security zone.

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