Zambian legal and political organizations are demanding the arrest and prosecution of those who assaulted former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Davies Mwila at the Supreme Court. The incident, which occurred as Davies Mwila departed the Supreme Court, has prompted Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila to order tighter security and sparked political finger-pointing between the UPND and opposition officials.
Supreme Court Assault and Security Response
The assault took place on Tuesday at the Supreme Court. Former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Davies Mwila was attacked while leaving the building after attending an election petition hearing involving Lima member of parliament Kelvin Kaunda. During the confrontation, Mwila retreated into the court structure to avoid further physical harm. Witnesses indicated the altercation was sparked by an exchange over the political slogan “Salt Sana,” which Mwila reportedly mocked by questioning why supporters would chant it while lacking food at home. Mwila, who is known for his confrontational communication style in the Bemba language, has since claimed the ruling party is targeting his life. He cautioned the government that it will not remain in power indefinitely, drawing parallels to the eventual electoral losses of the PF and the 27-year tenure of Kenneth Kaunda.
In response to the breach of judicial security, Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila has formally condemned the violence, labeling it a direct attack on the administration of justice. The judiciary has since ordered the implementation of tighter security measures at the court, as the incident underscored the necessity of protecting legal professionals and citizens from intimidation while accessing justice.
Calls for Prosecution and Legal Integrity
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the Human Rights Commission (HRC), and the United Party for National Development (UPND) have issued a collective demand for the arrest and prosecution of the attackers. The LAZ, as the statutory body for legal practitioners, holds a mandate to protect the integrity of the judicial system and ensure the rule of law is upheld. The HRC, established under the Constitution, emphasized that all citizens are entitled to security and unimpeded access to the justice system. Legal advocates are now being urged to advise clients on their safety rights while attending court, while the judiciary prepares for the enforcement of laws pertaining to assault, public order, and potential contempt of court.
Political Tensions and Evidence Disputes
The incident has intensified friction between the ruling UPND and the opposition. The ruling party is now pursuing reports to police under cybercrime laws, arguing that attributing criminal acts to political organizations without evidence is irresponsible.
An allegation does not become a fact simply because it is repeated publicly or attached to the name of a political party. If he possesses credible evidence identifying the perpetrators, he should submit it to the police and allow the law to take its course rather than seek to assign political responsibility before investigations have established the facts.
Photo: News Diggers!
UPND Media Team
The UPND has expressed concern regarding the opposition’s political discipline, noting that these allegations of violence persist despite their electoral losses in 2021 and 2026. Conversely, Mwila has maintained in a social media video that he recognizes his assailants, issuing a 30-day ultimatum for them to provide a formal apology to him and the nation. This volatility occurs against the backdrop of ongoing treason charges against opposition figures Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, which stem from security investigations following the August 2026 general election.
