After spending six days in Police custody, former Zambia Security Intelligence Service Director General and Liberal Democrats Party presidential candidate Xavier Franklin Chungu has now been formally charged and arrested on multiple offences, as his legal team continues pursuing a bail application before the High Court.
The Zambia Police Service says oMr. Chungu has been slapped with seven counts of communication of certain information contrary to Section 4(1) of the State Security Act, three counts of seditious practices under Section 57 of the Penal Code, and one count of prohibition of publication or disclosure of information to an unauthorised person under Section 11(1) of the Zambia Security Intelligence Service Act.
Police allege that on May 24, 2026, between 16:00 and 18:00 hours in New Kasama, Lusaka, Mr. Chungu disclosed confidential information obtained through his official duties, uttered words of a seditious nature and revealed protective measures relating to a vital installation.
He remains in Police custody awaiting court appearance.
The formal charges come as Mr. Chungu, through an affidavit filed before the High Court in support of his application for bail pending trial, argues that his continued detention is disrupting his presidential campaign ahead of the August 13 general election.
In the affidavit, he contends that his incarceration is negatively affecting his political activities and ability to engage supporters during the crucial campaign period.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
