Dr. Katele Kalumba Charged Over Alleged Cyber Harassment of President Hichilema

Former government minister Dr Katele Kalumba has been charged and arrested over alleged cyber harassment involving electronic content that police say was intended to humiliate President Hakainde Hichilema.

The Zambia Police Service says the complaint was lodged at Kabwe Central Police Station on September 10 by 29-year-old Albert Munjulunji.

Police allege that on August 11, Dr Kalumba published and circulated electronic content intended to humiliate the President.

Following the complaint, police opened a docket and launched investigations before apprehending Dr Kalumba in Chienge District on September 23.

He was formally charged and arrested at Kabwe Central Police Station on September 24 under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.

Dr Kalumba has since been released on police bond and is expected to appear in court.

The police statement does not provide details of the electronic content at the centre of the complaint.

The case brings renewed attention to the boundaries between freedom of expression and conduct that authorities consider unlawful in Zambia's digital space.

Police have reminded members of the public that Article 20 of the Constitution protects freedom of expression, but say the right must be exercised with regard to the rights, dignity and reputation of others, as well as public morality.

Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act provides for offences relating to harassment and humiliation in cyberspace. The legislation has been used in a number of cases involving alleged online harassment since coming into force.

Police say they will provide further updates as the matter progresses.