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Human Rights Campaigner, Brebnar Changala, has demanded that opposition Liberal Democrats Party leader, and former Intelligence Chief, Xavier Chungu, be taken to court instead of prolonging his stay in police custody.
Changala questioned why Chungu, a candidate in the August 13, 2026, presidential election, remained behind bars more than two days after his arrest.
In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Changala explained that Chungu was taken into police custody on May 28, and was being held in a police cell over an alleged breach of State Security Act, a law that carries a possible prison sentence without bail.
“While Chungu is a political candidate, right now he is a man who cannot see a judge despite the law in Zambia clearly stating that the police are generally expected to bring a suspect before a court within 48 hours of an arrest,” he said.
Changala argued that the timeline had now been exceeded, warning that police cells should not be turned into prisons.
He criticised the allaeged abuse of authority by the ruling UPND, saying it was exactly the same kind of behaviour that they themselves condemned when they were in the opposition.
“The purpose of a police holding cell is only as a short stop before a suspect is charged and taken to court,” Changala said.
He emphasised that if the state had evidence, it should go to court, adding that if it did not, the suspect should be released.
On Friday, May 29, Zambia Monitor reported that Chungu, had been cautioned and warned by the Police for allegedly breaching the offence of Communication of Certain Information Contrary to Section 4(1) of the State Security Act, Chapter 111 of the Laws of Zambia.
Police allege that on May 24, 2026, between 16:00 hours and 18:00 hours in New Kasama, Lusaka, Chungu disclosed to the public information entrusted to him in confidence, to which he had access by virtue of his position as a person who held office under the Government.
Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the former Zambia Intelligence Service boss, Chungu, remained in police custody, and that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
“The Zambia Police Service will continue to provide updates to the public as investigations progress,” Chilabi said.
Article 13 of the Zambian Constitution (found under the Bill of Rights) guarantees the protection of the right to personal liberty. It states that no person can be deprived of their liberty except in specific, legally authorized.
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