Police dismiss viral claim of 1,180 detainees in Lusaka as false

The Zambia Police Service has dismissed a social media publication alleging that 1,180 people are being held in police cells in Lusaka on politically motivated charges.

The statement circulating online claimed there was mass detention linked to politics in the capital, however, Police say the figures have no basis in fact.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday Police Assistant Public Relations Officer, Timothy Malumo, said the publication first surfaced on social media platforms over the weekend and quickly gained traction among users.

Malumo said such claims risked eroding public trust in law enforcement and creating unnecessary public anxiety over police operations in Lusaka.

“The Zambia Police Service wishes to make it clear that it has not issued or confirmed these figures. The information circulating on social media is therefore false, misleading and does not represent official information,” he stated.

Malumo expressed concern that the deliberate creation and circulation of false information could undermine public confidence and damage the reputation of the institution.

“Individuals and social media users are warned against creating, publishing or circulating false information presented as official police information,” he said.

Malumo urged members of the public to verify any information concerning arrests, police custody and criminal investigations directly with the Zambia Police Service before sharing it online.

He said the Police would take appropriate action against attempts to deliberately misrepresent its operations or circulate false information intended to damage its reputation and undermine public confidence.

Malumo assured that the police remained committed to providing accurate and timely updates through its official communication channels and encouraged the public to rely on those sources for verified information.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.