Socialist Party leader, M’membe, arrested for alleged harassment of President Hichilema

The Zambia Police Service has arrested and charged Dr. Fred M’membe, 66, of Lusaka, with the offence of harassment and humiliation, contrary to Section 22(2)(a) and (b) of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.

Police allege that on February 26, 2026, Dr. M’membe, the Socialist Party leader, made statements during a programme on Kwithu FM, which was simultaneously streamed on a Facebook page named “Dr. M’membe.”

According to authorities, the remarks were vulgar and intended to humiliate President Hakainde Hichilema, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force.

In a statement on Monday, Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the arrest, saying M’membe remains in custody and is expected to appear in court soon.

“While the Zambia Police Service respects the constitutional right to freedom of expression, this right is subject to limitations, particularly where issues of public morality and the rights and reputations of others are concerned,” Chilabi said.

He added that the Police Service was committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all citizens comply with Zambian laws, and promised further updates as the case progresses.

Meanwhile, Socialist Party Secretary General, Dr. Cosmas Musumali, condemned the arrest, describing it as “an act of tyranny” and part of a wider pattern of political repression. Musumali argued that the Cyber Crimes Act had been used selectively and systematically against critics of the UPND administration.

“Dr. M’membe is not merely a political commentator; he is a credible, formidable presidential candidate. His arrest is designed to remove meaningful opposition from the democratic contest,” Musumali said.

He added that the timing of the arrest was intended to intimidate and silence opposition voices ahead of the 2026 general election. Musumali urged all Zambians who believed in democracy and the rule of law to reject what he described as a “brazen abuse of state power.”

Musumali further called on the legal fraternity to ensure that M’membe’s rights were fully protected.

He also urged civil society and the media to expose political repression, and called on the international community, regional bodies, and the African Union to hold the Zambian government accountable.

“Dr. M’membe is a fearless and principled leader. His arrest will not break him — and it must not break us,” Musumali said.

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