The arrest of a man, the latest to be detained under Zambia's disputed and recently enacted cyber security regulations, has sent shockwaves through the southern African country.
The Zambia Police Service reported apprehending a man named Jeremiah Nkunika (a 27-year-old street vendor) for "publishing a false and malicious post" on a Facebook page.
He was arrested in Lusaka and has been charged with violating Sections of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act (2025) by "engaging in harassment and humiliation".
While specifics are vague, it is believed the suspect's post lamented the exorbitant expense of living in Zambia; nevertheless, police have denied allegations that he was arrested for sending such a message in a WhatsApp group, accompanied by crying emojis.
"The Zambia Police Service wishes to clarify that this is incorrect and does not reflect the true nature of the offence committed," police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said.
"The Zambia Police remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring that digital platforms are not abused for purposes of defamation, cyberbullying or the spread of false information."
Opposition lawmakers, church leaders, and members of the public expressed worry about the cases that police have initiated against citizens after President Hakainde Hichilema signed cyber-crime legislation.
Binwell Mpundu, member of parliament for Nkana, also raised concern.
"Our government is wielding a vague and sweeping law to stifle the voices of ordinary citizens," Mpundu said..
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