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The Zambian government has responded to the arrest and detention of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Journalist, MacPherson Mukuka, saying the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 applied to all citizens without exception.
Zambia Monitor had earlier reported that Mukuka, 37, was detained by Police in Lusaka in connection with an alleged offence of Prohibition of Recording a Private Conversation Without Prior Notice, contrary to Section 10 of the Cyber Crimes Act.
Police allege that between July 14 and July 17, 2026, Mukuka used a Facebook page known as Earth Television Zambia to publish an article containing an audio recording of a private meeting involving several individuals.
Police Spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi, said the recording was allegedly made without prior notice to those involved and was later published online.
The Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, has, however, called for strict observance of the Cyber Crimes Act and warning against the misuse of digital platforms.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to remind all citizens and public servants that the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 is fully in force and remains a key component of the country’s legal framework for protecting the privacy of individuals, strengthening cybersecurity and promoting the responsible use of digital technologies,” Kawana said.
He said the Act was enacted to build a safe, secure and trusted digital environment that supports communication and innovation while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of every citizen.
Kawana said the Government had noted with concern the increasing misuse of digital platforms through the unauthorised recording, publication and dissemination of private conversations and meetings without the knowledge or consent of those involved.
He noted that such conduct may infringe on privacy rights, damage reputations, spread misinformation and undermine public confidence in digital technologies.
“Such conduct may constitute an offence under the Cyber Crimes Act and has the potential to infringe upon the privacy rights of individuals, damage reputations, spread misinformation and undermine public confidence in the responsible use of digital technologies,” Kawana stated.
He urged citizens and public servants to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Act and to exercise sound judgement before recording, sharing or publishing private communications.
Kawana stated that it was also important to emphasise that the rule of law remained the foundation of a democratic society and that the Cyber Crimes Act applied equally to every person without exception.
He stressed that public servants had an added obligation to uphold the law and protect information entrusted to them in the course of their duties, with professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
“No individual is above the law. Where credible evidence of an alleged offence exists, the relevant law enforcement agencies have a statutory duty to act in accordance with the law. The law is blind and will be enforced fairly, impartially and without fear or favour,” Kawana said.
He further warned that deliberate violations of the Cyber Crimes Act would attract legal consequences prescribed under Zambian law, and that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as a defence.
“Citizens are therefore warned that any deliberate violation of the Cyber Crimes Act or any other written law will attract the legal consequences prescribed under the laws of the Republic of Zambia,” Kawana stated.
Police said investigations into Mukuka’s case were ongoing and the suspect remains in custody.
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