By 
Acting Chief Resident Magistrate, Irene Wishimanga, has sentenced journalist Faith Musonda to one month imprisonment and fined her K24 for idle and disorderly conduct, following her uninvited late-night appearance at Community House, the private residence of President Hakainde Hichilema.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Wishimanga reprimanded Musonda for failing to use appropriate channels to raise her concerns with First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, instead choosing to show up “at such an ungodly and awkward hour.”
The magistrate also questioned Musonda’s claim of being destitute, pointing to the black Toyota Fortuner (registration BBA 8874) she drove to the premises. “A destitute driving a Fortuner?” she remarked.
The court heard that around 23:00 hours on July 1, 2025, Musonda reversed toward the gate of Community House and parked near the entrance, where six police officers were stationed.
When questioned by Inspector Mukandawire and Sergeant Gondwe, she explained that she wanted to speak with the First Lady about long-delayed court matters, financial hardship, marital property disputes, and unpaid school fees for her children, which she said were weighing heavily on her.
Despite being advised to leave due to having no appointment, Musonda refused.
Assistant Superintendent Angela Moyo also attempted to persuade her to vacate the premises, but Musonda insisted on remaining and even asked for a chitenge, as she was dressed in a sleeping gown.
Police subsequently called for reinforcement. Inspector Moonga from Woodlands Police Station arrived at around 00:45 hours and escorted Musonda to the station, where she refused to take a breathalyzer test and declined to sign the custody book.
She was detained.
Although she was initially charged with espionage, the charge was later amended to idle and disorderly conduct.
In mitigation, Musonda’s lawyer Charles Changano described her as a remorseful first-time offender and mother of two.
He said her behaviour was the result of emotional distress caused by a six-year-old child maintenance case, which was only concluded after her arrest.
“She now understands that even though it’s called Community House, she can’t go there whenever she feels like it,” he said.
Musonda is expected to serve the custodial sentence in addition to paying the fine.
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