BREAKING News: Gwembe Independent Candidate Brian Ntundu Reportedly Detained in Lusaka
Gwembe Constituency independent parliamentary aspiring candidate Brian Ntundu has reportedly been detained at Ridgeway Police Station in Lusaka amid claims that he was pressured to withdraw from the parliamentary race.
According to information provided by a family member, Ntundu was initially contacted by police in Gwembe before allegedly being transferred to Lusaka, where he is now reportedly being held at Ridgeway Police Station.
The family alleges that the development is connected to Ntundu’s decision to remain in the parliamentary race despite an alleged request for him to withdraw.
According to the family member, President Hakainde Hichilema allegedly contacted Ntundu about two weeks ago and invited him to attend a campaign rally in Choma, where he was allegedly expected to withdraw his candidacy.
The family claims that Ntundu declined the alleged request.
It is further alleged that, three days ago, Ntundu received a call from Gwembe Police and went to the station, where he was reportedly taken into custody.
The family member claims that he was subsequently transferred to Lusaka, with State House security personnel allegedly involved in his movement to Ridgeway Police Station.
Family Raises Alarm
A member of Ntundu’s family has appealed for assistance, expressing concern over what they describe as political pressure surrounding the independent candidate.
“At first when you guys started calling HH a tribalist and a dictator I thought you were harsh, but as a family we have discussed and now fully appreciate that you are able to foretell way ahead,” the family member was quoted as saying.
The relative also referred to an earlier incident involving another family member who was allegedly detained at Monze Remand Prison before eventually being released.
The family has described Ntundu’s reported detention as deeply concerning and called for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest and continued detention.
Kalomo Candidate Challenges ECZ Decision
Meanwhile, Hyde Haguta, a former ZNBC employee and independent parliamentary aspirant for Kalomo Central, has reportedly petitioned the High Court challenging his removal from the ballot.
Haguta is seeking the cancellation of the Kalomo Central parliamentary election after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) allegedly removed his name from the ballot without providing him with reasons.
The two developments have raised fresh questions about the treatment of independent candidates as Zambia heads toward the August 13 general election.
However, the allegations surrounding Ntundu’s detention and the claimed involvement of State House officials have not been independently verified based on the information provided. Authorities and other parties named in the allegations should be given an opportunity to respond.
More details are expected as the matter develops.
