The Zambia Police Service, in partnership with the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), has apprehended several individuals in connection with the dissemination of provocative statements and allegations concerning the health status of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema.
The suspects, identified as Chitendwe, aged 27, and Kapya, aged 34, both from Kitwe, along with Siliya, aged 27, from New Site and Service Area in Chambishi Township, Kalulushi, have been charged with harassment utilizing means of electronic communication. This offense falls under Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia. The individuals remain in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
Authorities have reiterated that the reckless dissemination of unverified or misleading information carries serious legal consequences. Individuals found guilty of such offenses will face the full force of the law. The public is reminded that the spread of false and harmful information on digital platforms can incite unnecessary panic, social unrest, and lead to legal repercussions.
While Zambia upholds the fundamental right to freedom of expression, the government emphasizes the importance of exercising this right responsibly. Citizens are warned against the misuse of social media to spread falsehoods, incite violence, or disseminate inflammatory content that could threaten national unity and security.
The public is encouraged to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it and to refrain from activities that violate the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. Additionally, citizens are urged to report any suspicious online activities or harmful content to the relevant authorities. Reports can be made to the nearest police station or by calling 991. For consumer complaints related to digital communication, ZICTA can be reached via their toll-free line at 7070.
Freedom of speech also means freedom to be wrong! We are not governed by kings and/or queens.
This Police force really has time to waste. Go back to your roadblocks! And make dirty money. This is a democracy let people speak
When I look back and see how the Upnd leadership used to mock Michael Sata, I don’t remember anyone being arrested.
The late Bishop De Jong used to say: The Best Way To Kill a Rumor is to ignore it. The over reaction could simply mean there’s some truth. Otherwise let’s just accept all of us are human and can fall sick….. I am sick and someone comes to tell me that he heard about it from Mr X…
Can I sue Mr X ?
You are not mentioning the UN representatives report on abuse of the human rights of PF thieves anymore ???
FWD2031
Who doesn’t fall sick? King Charles with all the best medical care at his disposal is sick.
Please explain How does one verify reports when at times only half truths are being fed to us
Take this case where were there chaps supposed to go and ask such a question about health ?
Dont know what they said but something is not right here
We are in an Information Age war, where one who is RIGHT want’s everyone else to believe them without questioning the LEFT or anything let alone anyone. Typically uzzling us. Those in power want to gag those being led. Governments come and go. What will UPND be remembered for? What legacy? Intimidations only.
Why too hasn’t the police reported on what exactly these three lads said or wrote that violates the Cyber Act?
Because theres simply nothing illegal about saying HH is sick.. Lungu wont rush to State House to take over. After all Nevas Mumba will be keeping watch. The army wont take over because our defence force understand democracy. At one time they rescued Chiluba’s government and before that KK’s government. So stop shaking because of your own shadows
People are being robbed, r aped, murdered and the streets of the Zambian cities are not safe at night, but the resources are directed at this malabishi. KK had the notorious ‘Preservation of Public Security Act.’ It was repealed under Chiluba, but it remains in place and disguised- only that it is now ‘Preservation of the President’s dignity Act.’ Anything negative that one says about the President is illegal. We cannot carry on like this. HH is not God. It looks like one can insult God in the Christian country and not be punished, but even describing the colour of the President’s underwear can land you in jail! Awe shuwa. Noti ifyo! Go and catch real criminals you lazy police!
@Musaninyoze, where has this spirit of insulting each other come from, so for one in Zambia to be heard is just insult, insult and insult. Who then does one insult?, friend, enermy, parent or government with its officials. Any where in the world insults are an effront to its society. Even in our own societies insults without any reasonable cause attracted punitive measures. In Zambia, indeed in Africa western culture is highly misunderstood. The insults we here on Zambian social media is not here in UK, neither in America. Ubututu is at play. Lets uphold our culture of respect to one another and not hide behind social media
Who has insulted anyone? HH is sick is an insult????
Why Insult ?? Isnt this brought about by a society that has the right to free speech denied them
If ones concerns are not addressed or listened to frustration steps in and leads to all sorts
The president has been heard, referring to Lungu and company, kutump_ uko, aikona man! Why was he calling others what he is not happy to be called out as? It is a shame that the low level we wish for others is not what we hope for ourselves. Who remembers C_ No Plan or CNP? How about Useful Idy-otte? All this is attributed to our present president. Si ciwamila mbuzi ku luuma, imwe bantu.
Nensoni iyoo. I would hate to be President of state institutions that arrest someone for saying I am sick
This is dictatorship. No dictator operates alone. They all use the institutions like ZICTA, Police and military. This is not part of the law. Who do they say was harassed? Bogus charges and these people pushing dictatorship instead of Freedom of Expression and Speech will one day pay for the misapplication of the laws on innocent free people to shield their boss from criticism.
What exactly was said ???
Most of you don’t know what was said , surely it was not a simple statement of the president is not well …….
Now you have stopped hoping for the UN chola woman to confirm human rights abuses of opposition crooks and thieves ????…….hehehehe
If you want to change GRZ , just convince people peacefully, without breaking any laws, to vote with you……….
You mean with all the hunger and dissatisfaction amongst citizens you claim there is , that’s the best you can come up with….lies about the presidents health. ???
You have no chance then in 2026
Others on here were even convinced the president went to Japan for medical treatment……….
We are here until 2031
FWD2031
Oh Spaka you do waffle on and on Human rights are infringed by the police here and for that matter which African country observes it to a “T”
The president’s health is important to the nation so the thought was on 70% of the population
The speculation was justified to some extent through the fact that past GRZ’s and this one never tell the nation the who truth but get their spin doctors to deviate look at Zesco etc etc
The best is to Get HH to retract his free speech as police and magistrates raise or lower the bar depending on ones status
Tikki
There is no infringement of human rights, all lies……..
Just campaign and or work within the law and no one will be visited by the police……..
Absolute freedom to do and say anything does not work in Africa, especially where more than half the population believes in witchcraft……….
If your minds are so weak and ignorant to believe in that rubbish, what won’t you believe ????
FWD2031
If your minds… Bazichosapo pama Africans Some people are really brainwashed