Police arrest social commentator ‘Mama Chikamoneka’ over cyber harassment allegation

Police in Kitwe have arrested and released on bond a social media commentator known as “Mama Chikamoneka” over alleged cyber-related offences, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as Mary Bwalya, was summoned to Kitwe Central Police Station and charged with harassment and humiliation using electronic communication.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer, Mwala Yuyi, said the alleged offence occurred at an unknown date and time during the first week of April 2026.

According to police, a complaint was filed by Martin Kafutubelele, 58, who reported feeling humiliated after viewing a video circulated on Facebook under the name “Mama Chikamoneka.”

Yuyi said the complainant told police he came across a video in which a woman, speaking in Bemba, made remarks he believed referred to him.

“Ba Kafutubelele abalebomba ku Railways, baliyonda nga wabamona kuti walila nokulila, incito kupitanafye mu town na ma file ayabula imilimo (Mr Kafutubelele has lost weight, he is just suffering and the only job he does is to move around town with files which have no job),” the statement quoted.

Police said the complainant reported the matter after feeling humiliated by the remarks.

Yuyi said the suspect was interviewed under caution and denied referring to the complainant, stating she was speaking about another individual with the same name based in Kabwe.

However, police said available evidence suggested the complainant, a former Zambia Railways employee and a member of the ruling United Party for National Development(UPND), was the subject of the video.

“The offence is contrary to Section 22(1)(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 of the laws of Zambia and she was later released on police bond after seizing her Vivo phone which is alleged to have been used for the purpose of forensic examination,” Yuyi said.

Police said investigations were ongoing.

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