Forum for Democracy and Development accuses UPND of capturing state institutions

The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has accused the UPND government of capturing key state institutions, including the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the police.

FDD spokesperson, Anthony Chibuye, said the trend had deepened under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, pointing to what he described as selective application of the law.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Chibuye cited the case of Maria Zaloumis and four others, who were arrested and formally charged with murder but have allegedly not been presented before a court within the constitutionally mandated 72 hours.

“We know that it had to take the whole country to call for Zaloumis’ arrest before the cadres at Zambia Police could move. The silence and delay in prosecuting Maria Zaloumis and four others means something is being doctored behind the scenes. Someone is trying to do damage control,” Chibuye said.

He further alleged that Zaloumis’ mother, a former Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson and alleged UPND supporter, had sought her daughter’s release, claiming the matter reflects a broader pattern of political interference.

Chibuye also questioned the conduct of Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri, alleging that he had shown unusual interest in the seizure of former president Edgar Lungu’s daughter Tasila’s farm in Eastern Province.

“Gilbert was so interested that he personally went to the farm during the seizure. This selective application of justice shows the extent of state capture under the UPND,” Chibuye said.

He stressed that while the DPP’s office is constitutionally independent, it owed the nation an explanation for the delay in taking Zaloumis and others before court.

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