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Former President Edgar Lungu’s Political Advisor, Chris Zumani Zimba, has been arrested and charged with offences under the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025, specifically for Prohibition of Identity-Related Crimes and Prohibition of Harassment and Humiliation, contrary to sections 1 (1)(a) and 22 (1)(a) of the Act, respectively.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, said Zimba’s arrest followed a report filed on October 9, 2025, at 14:58 hours by Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President Given Lubinda, 62, of Plot No. 21840, Hill View Park in Libala, who also serves as Chairperson of the Tonse Alliance.
Hamoonga said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday that the report alleged Zimba had published a false article about Lubinda on social media, in violation of the Cyber Crimes Act.
“A docket of case was opened and investigations were instituted,” Hamoonga said.
He added that on November 4, 2025, at 16:30 hours, Zimba, 45, of Farm No. 100, Chunga Village, reported himself to Woodlands Police Station following a police summons.
“He has since been warned and cautioned, officially charged, and arrested for the offences of Prohibition of Identity-Related Crimes and Prohibition of Harassment and Humiliation, contrary to sections 1 (1)(a) and 22 (1)(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025, respectively,”
said Hamoonga.
He stated that the accused was currently in police custody awaiting court appearance.
Hamoonga further warned members of the public against misuse of social media and other digital platforms to spread false, misleading, or defamatory information about individuals or institutions.
“Such conduct amounts to a serious criminal offence under the Cyber Crimes Act and attracts severe legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution,” he cautioned.
He urged social media users to exercise responsibility, respect, and restraint when expressing opinions or sharing information online, assuring that the Zambia Police Service remains committed to ensuring cyberspace is used responsibly and safely by all citizens.
Meanwhile, Tonse Alliance Spokesperson Sean Tembo confirmed Zimba’s arrest and expressed disappointment that the matter was not withdrawn despite reconciliation between the two leaders.
“As Tonse Alliance, we are very saddened that our National Coordinator, Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba, was arrested last night on the basis of a complaint filed a couple of weeks ago by PF Acting President Mr. Given Lubinda.
“We are further saddened that despite their reconciliation, Honourable Given Lubinda still did not act to ensure that the complaint he previously filed was withdrawn from the police,” he said.
Tembo said efforts were being made to secure Zimba’s release on bond, adding that failure to withdraw the case might result in Zimba’s incarceration, which he described as potentially divisive for the Alliance.
Zimba and Lubinda recently reconciled ahead of the National Day of Prayer, Peace, and Reconciliation held on October 18, 2025.
The meeting, described as “warm and brotherly,” took place at the PF Secretariat in the presence of senior party officials, including incarcerated PF Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda and Dr. Canicius Banda, a member of the Central Committee.
The dialogue focused on fostering unity and healing within the former ruling party in honour of the legacy of the late President Edgar Lungu. Both leaders pledged to work together to strengthen the Patriotic Front and the Tonse Alliance ahead of next year’s elections.
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