LUSAKA — Faith Musonda, a 41-year-old businesswoman from the Chalala neighborhood of Lusaka, was detained early Wednesday after an incident at Community House, the official residence of Zambia’s president, Hakainde Hichilema, according to local authorities and witnesses.
Faith stormed the presidential residence at Community House in Lusaka on July 2, 2025, reports indicate that she was demanding urgent attention from the president regarding personal and business grievances. Eyewitnesses and security personnel described her as insistent and confrontational, stating that she wanted to be heard directly by the president about challenges she claimed to be facing.
Specific statements attributed to her included calls for accountability and justice, as well as complaints about obstacles hindering her business operations. She reportedly expressed frustration with government officials and sought intervention at the highest level.
While exact quotes have not been publicly released, sources close to the incident say that her tone was firm and determined, emphasizing that she felt ignored by conventional channels and saw this direct approach as a last resort.
Faith Musonda is a Zambian businesswoman who has been at the center of several high-profile controversies related to allegations of financial misconduct and corruption. Her most notable controversy involves a 2021 incident when authorities discovered large sums of money—over 65 million Zambian kwacha and nearly 58,000 US dollars—along with property suspected to be proceeds of crime. Following investigations, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court forfeited properties worth over 21 million kwacha to the state in 2024, after Musonda failed to declare them fully.
In a notable development, the Anti-Corruption Commission granted her amnesty under the Anti-Corruption Act, allowing her to avoid criminal prosecution in exchange for full disclosure and voluntary surrender of assets. This settlement sparked public debate about accountability and the use of civil forfeiture rather than criminal trials.
Timeline of Events
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Late Night, July 1: Ms. Musonda arrived at Community House, reportedly seeking a direct audience with the president to raise personal and business concerns. She was seen driving a Toyota Fortuner onto the premises.
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Shortly After Midnight, July 2: Security personnel at the residence described Ms. Musonda’s behavior as disruptive, noting that she insisted on immediate attention and refused to leave the grounds.
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Early Morning, July 2: Police intervened and took Ms. Musonda into custody on charges of disorderly conduct. She was transported to Woodlands Police Station in Lusaka.
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Morning, July 2: Police officials confirmed the arrest and stated that Ms. Musonda would face charges related to idle and disorderly conduct.
