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The Zambia Police Service has confirmed the detention of Isoka Constituency Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance candidate, Malozo Sichone, over an alleged ongoing investigation into seditious practices.
Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi announced the development in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, 21 June 2026.
“The Zambia Police Service confirms that Malozo Sichone has been detained in connection with an ongoing investigation into the offence of seditious practices,” Chilabi stated.
Sichone is an aspiring parliamentary candidate for Isoka Constituency under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, NRPUP.
The confirmation comes as opposition parties voice concern over the electoral environment ahead of the 13 August 2026 General Elections.
Meanwhile, PF Pamodzi Alliance, a key member of the Tonse Alliance, expressed deep concern over what it calls a deteriorating electoral environment and growing restrictions on opposition parties.
Deputy Secretary General, Sylvia Chalikosa, said a credible election was judged not just on polling day but on equal opportunity to campaign without fear or interference.
She cited Sichone’s detention as evidence of selective application of state authority targeting opposition figures, and also raised concern over the continued incarceration of PF Secretary General, Raphael Nakacinda.
Read More: Hichilema reassures nation on peaceful, credible elections
“The recent detention of Hon. Malozo Sichone, aspiring parliamentary candidate for Isoka Constituency under NRPUP, raises serious concerns regarding what many citizens perceive as the growing trend of targeting opposition figures through the selective application of state authority,” Chalikosa stated.
Chalikosa said the Alliance continued to receive reports of alleged electoral violence and intimidation brought to ECZ and Zambia Police, with victims allegedly arrested while perpetrators remain free. She listed incidents in Chawama, Makeni, Mandevu and Roma constituencies.
She further flagged reports of a citizen in Chipata allegedly detained for dancing to the campaign song “Mundubile na Makebi Bengile”, saying such incidents point to political intolerance.
“Equally troubling are reports that a citizen in Chipata was allegedly detained for publicly dancing to the popular campaign song ‘Mundubile na Makebi Bengile.’ While such reports may appear unbelievable, they point to growing concerns regarding political intolerance and the shrinking space for free expression,” she said.
Chalikosa said PF Pamodzi Alliance and Tonse Alliance remain committed to peaceful, issue-based campaigns and called on ECZ, police and government to guarantee a level playing field.
“Democracy must not only be promised, it must be demonstrated and President Hakainde Hichilema and other stakeholders must be reminded of their public commitment to free, fair and credible elections whose outcome reflects the will of citizens,” she said.
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