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The Zambia Police Service has arrested and charged former diplomat Martha Lungu Mwitumwa, 59, with treason over an alleged plot to usurp the executive power of the State.
Police Spokesperson, Chipo Kaitisha, said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday that Mwitumwa had been charged under Section 43(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
According to the police, the alleged offence occurred between November 2025 and October 23, 2026, in Lusaka District.
Kaitisha said Mwitumwa allegedly acted jointly with other persons who have not yet been identified to prepare or endeavour, through unlawful means, to carry out an enterprise aimed at usurping the executive power of the State.
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“The suspect is currently detained in police custody and is awaiting appearance before the courts of law,” Kaitisha said.
Mwitumwa is a former Zambian diplomat who served as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and as Ambassador from 2019 to 2021.
She has also featured in political developments surrounding the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance and the August 2026 general elections.
In August, reports indicated that police had detained Mwitumwa and campaign blogger Hannah Israel Katontoka at the Mundubile campaign media centre in Longacres.
Government subsequently said the two women had been taken into custody to assist with investigations before being released.
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