Former ZNBC Presenter Charged with Espionage After Breaching Presidential Residence

Former television presenter, Faith Musonda, faces up to 20 years in prison after being charged with espionage following an alleged break-in at the presidential residence.

Ms Musonda, 41, a former journalist with the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), has been formally charged with espionage and criminal trespass after allegedly attempting to enter Community House, the official residence of President Hakainde Hichilema, in the early hours of 2 July.

According to the police, Musonda drove a Toyota Fortuner to the presidential residence in Lusaka's New Kasama area between 00:30 and 01:00 local time. She was intercepted by security officers as she attempted to gain unauthorised entry to the premises.

Police Assistant Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha said in a statement that Musonda faces charges under Section 306 of Zambian law for criminal trespass and Section 3(a) of the State Security Act for espionage - a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.

State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka described the incident as "shocking" and "quite audacious."

Musonda's lawyer, Charles Changano, told local media that his client had intended to visit First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, though he did not elaborate on the purpose of the proposed visit.

The businesswoman remains in custody at Kabwata Police Station in Lusaka and is expected to appear in court soon.

This is not Musonda's first brush with the law. In 2021, she avoided criminal prosecution but was forced to forfeit significant assets to the state, including 65 million Kwacha and $57,900 in cash, along with property valued at over 20 million Kwacha.

The assets were surrendered through a consent agreement after authorities suspected they were proceeds of crime. 

More recently, in 2022, she was re-arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission on multiple charges related to possession of government bonds and treasury bills worth millions of Kwacha.

The espionage charge against Musonda represents one of the most serious security-related cases since the current administration took power.