Zambian police have warned the public against violating the Cyber Crimes Act, as tensions within the opposition rise ahead of next year's elections.
The Police is investigating a prominent opposition figure for allegedly violating the contentious law, which critics and opponents claim is a tool used by the government to suppress dissent.
However, in this case, it is to settle a feud between opposition leaders over the Tonse Alliance, a coalition of parties planning to challenge the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in 2026.
Given Lubinda, the interim head of the main opposition Patriotic Front (PF), has filed a complaint against Chris Zumani Zimba, an aide to the party's late leader, Edgar Lungu.
Zimba is accused of publishing a false post about Lubinda on social media earlier this month, alleging that he had surreptitiously promoted PF members and others to positions inside the Tonse Alliance.
PF is one of the major parties expected to participate in the upcoming election as part of the coalition.
The formalisation of the partnership has been hampered by disagreements over leadership positions.
Zimba's social media post was accompanied by Lubinda's photo and screenshots of alleged WhatsApp exchanges between him and Zimba.
The complainant has denied knowledge of such communications and consent; thus he has filed a case.
Rae Hamoonga, spokeswoman for the Zambia Police Service, stated that the department was investigating a case of identity theft and harassment contrary to sections of the Cyber Crimes Act.
"Members of the public are reminded that the publication of false information, impersonation, and harassment through social media platforms are serious offences under the Cyber Crimes Act," he said.
Hamoonga added, "The Zambia Police Service remains committed to ensuring that individuals abusing cyberspace to injure the reputation of others are held accountable in accordance with the law."
Violating Zambia's cyber-crime laws, enacted this year, can incur fines of ZK300 000 (US$13 000) or prison terms of ten years.
Share