‘I’m a big machine feared by men,’ Ex-PF official, Phiri, reacts after regaining freedom from detention

Former Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Secretary General, Mumbi Phiri, has been released from police detention in Kawambwa after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, intervened and downgraded her charge from aggravated robbery to disorderly conduct.

Phiri, who was accused of stealing K20,000 cash and a smartphone valued at K3,800 from Chilambikwa Baldwin of Katungulu village in Chief Mushota’s chiefdom, paid a fine after the DPP ruled that the evidence submitted by police and complainants was irreconcilable.

Speaking shortly after her release, Phiri declared herself a “big machine feared by men,” accusing President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration of targeting her with flimsy charges to silence her.

“They want to wear me down, but I will not stop speaking for the people being treated unfairly. No intimidation will stop me,” she said.

Phiri thanked the Catholic Church in Kawambwa, her family, and PF women who supported her throughout her 17-day incarceration.

Her lawyer, Griffin Shamilimo of Makebi Zulu and Company, confirmed the reduced charge and subsequent release, stating, “Ms. Phiri paid the fine after the charge was downgraded to disorderly conduct.”

Phiri vowed to continue fighting for the downtrodden, despite what she described as attempts to suppress her voice.

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