Police arrest youth for cyber harassment

Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga

The Zambia Police has arrested of one suspect identified as Jeremiah Nkunika, aged 27 years, of an unmarked house on Chovu Chovu Road in Ng’ombe Compound, Lusaka.

Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga says brief facts of that matter are that on April 15,2025, the suspect published a false and malicious post on a Facebook page named Icilenkalipa mu Zambia.

Hamoonga says the suspect has since been detained at Kabwata Police Station and has been officially charged with the offence of Prohibition of Harassment and Humiliation, contrary to Section 22 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.

Under section 22 of the cyber security and cyber crime Act, using a computer system to knowingly spread false information intended to harass,humiliate or damage someone’s reputation is an offense punishable by up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to k200,000 penalty unit or both.

Hamoonga says Nkunika is currently awaiting court appearance.

“We wish to take this opportunity to clarify misleading information that has been published in the Daily Nation Newspaper, Volume 11 Issue 4385, of today May 14,2025, under the headline “Youth Nabbed for Posting Crying Emojis in WhatsApp Group.” Hamoonga said.

He has clarified that the information is inaccurate and not a reflection of the true nature of the offense committed.

“We urge all media houses and practitioners to seek official verification from relevant authorities before publishing stories that may misinform the public. Irresponsible reporting has the potential to mislead citizens and erode public trust, and those found wanting should not claim victimization when held accountable under the law.

“The Zambia Police remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring that digital platforms are not abused for purposes of defamation, cyberbullying, or the spread of false information.”