Zambia has promised to clamp down on online abuse in the country, citing the prevalence of misuse and disinformation on social media.

Edgar Lungu, the former president, has been named as one of the perpetrators after alleging online of an assassination plot against him by the present government of president Hakainde Hichilema.

Jack Mwiimbu, minister of home affairs and internal security, singled out Lungu and declared in Parliament that the ministry was aware of all persons who were misusing cyberspace.

He said: “I would like to inform the nation that there is no hiding place for anyone who is abusing cyberspace. We all know that the wheels of justice are turning slowly. They grind slowly but will find you and catch you.

“Very soon, the long arm of the law will catch up with them. We are slow but methodical. We do not want to abuse the rights of anyone.

Mwiimbu went on to say: “That is why we have made statements, appealing to members of the public to stop abusing the cyber space. Unfortunately, people have continued.”

Mwiimbu criticised Lungu for his alleged utterances, saying: “Two days ago (Tuesday), I had the misfortune of listening to a clip by a former president of the Republic of Zambia, wherein that clip he was saying, ‘The United Party for National Development (UPND) government wants to shoot and kill me’.”

Mwiimbu said the ruling UPND was “not in the business of killing people.”

The minister added the sentiments attributed to the former president had the potential to tarnish Zambia's reputation globally.

“We will take appropriate action against anyone who abuses the cyberspace in the country,” Mwiimbu concluded with a warning.