Zambian politician arrested over 'digitally altered image' of President Hichilema
The alleged altered Facebook post depicted President Hakainde Hichilema lying in a casket.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) Secretary General Mambwe Zimba has been allegedly arrested in Lusaka over an altered Facebook post depicting President Hakainde Hichilema lying in a casket, local media reports.
The social media post allegedly depicted a digitally altered image showing the president in a coffin, while Vice President Mutale Nalumango appeared to be paying tribute, local media outlet Lusaka Times reports.
According to the reports, Zambia’s Cyber Security Agency launched an investigation on Sunday after receiving a complaint about a Facebook page titled “Zambia for all 2026".
Authorities said the alleged cyber offence was committed in Lusaka at an unspecified time. Cybercrime investigators traced the matter to Libala South Water Works, where 44-year-old Zimba was apprehended.
Police reportedly confiscated a Samsung A24 mobile phone believed to have been used in connection with the post. Preliminary findings indicate that Zimba was among the administrators of the Facebook page under investigation.
Law enforcement officials told local media the image was not only misleading but also allegedly intended to misinform the public and create unnecessary alarm.
Zimba is currently being held at Lusaka Central Police Station as investigations continue. Authorities have indicated that the probe remains active and that further arrests are possible as cyber experts analyse the digital activity linked to the page.