Police charges ex-Zambian ambassador to Switzerland with treason
FORMER Zambia Ambassador to Switzerland Martha Lungu Mwitumwa has been charged with treason for plotting with unknown accomplices to seize executive power and take control of the State.
Mwitumwa, 59, who also served as Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva and Vienna, is accused of preparing or attempting to carry out an unlawful scheme to take the executive power of the State by force.
According to Police spokeswoman Chipo Kaitisha, the alleged scheme was undertaken between November 2025 and October 23, 2026, in Lusaka.
Kaitisha said Mwitumwa acted together with other individuals, whose identities remain unknown, in an enterprise intended to take over the executive authority of the country.
The suspect has since been formally arrested and charged under Section 43(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
“The suspect is currently detained in police custody and is awaiting appearance before the courts of law,” Kaitisha said.
Mwitumwa took up her diplomatic posting in May 2019 after more than 30 years of service in Government, during which she held various positions, including Director for State Functions, Protocol and Public Relations at Cabinet Office.
Before entering diplomatic service, she served as Director for Gender in Development at the Ministry of Gender from 2012 to 2017, having previously worked as a District Administrative Officer and risen to the position of District Commissioner between 2009 and 2012.
She also has a long career in teaching and has been involved in education and gender development.
Kalemba November 9, 2026