By 
The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has issued a bench warrant against Lawrence Makumbi, President of the Cleaning Association of Zambia, after he failed to appear in court to respond to charges of electronic harassment.
Makumbi faces five counts of harassment using electronic communication, contrary to Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021.
According to the charge sheet, Makumbi is alleged to have used mobile number 0977496562 on February 21, 2024, to send electronic messages targeting Toni Buratto, a business executive.
In one of the messages, Makumbi accused Buratto’s company, Nemchem International Zambia, of fraud, money laundering, and theft—alleging the firm worked with an illegitimate union for seven years and stole over K15 million from approximately 7,000 workers.
In another message dated February 22, 2024, Makumbi allegedly wrote: “Share with all they need to get their money back from these thieves and criminals who have been stealing from very poor workers.”
On February 23, he is alleged to have escalated the campaign, stating: “We must close operations… NOW. Thieves must be brought to book.”
The harassment reportedly continued on March 17, 2024, when Makumbi allegedly warned Buratto: “I can do damage to your business just like you do to mine… I can organize mass protests which I’m very capable of… you came after me and I’m simply returning the favor.”
Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli issued the bench warrant on Wednesday after Makumbi failed to appear in court for the hearing.
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