Saturday, 17 October 2026 | Lusaka, Zambia | All times CAT
Lakatips Sourcing the truth from every corner of Zambia

Lakatips

For Zambian newsrooms

Your reporting, credited and linked back

Join the newsrooms whose work reaches readers through Lakatips — your name on every story, and a route straight back to you.

Our network
Just in

Crime & Courts

Police Arrest and Charge Dr. Katele Kalumba with Cyber Harassment of Hh

The Zambia Police Service in Kabwe District has formally arrested and charged former Finance Minister...

Police Arrest and Charge Dr. Katele Kalumba with Cyber Harassment of Hh

Picture: Zambia24

The Zambia Police Service in Kabwe District has formally arrested and charged former Finance Minister Dr. Katele Kalumba of Chienge District for the offence of harassment, contrary to Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.

In a statement issued by Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, the matter was reported at Kabwe Central Police Station on September 10, 2026, by Albert Munjulunji, aged 29.

Mr. Chilabi says Dr. Kalumba allegedly published and disseminated electronic content on August 11, 2026, with the alleged intention of humiliating the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.

Following the report, police opened a docket and commenced investigations.

Dr. Kalumba was apprehended on September 23, 2026, in Chienge District and was subsequently formally charged and arrested on September 24, 2026, at Kabwe Central Police Station.

Lakatips

The morning briefing

Zambia’s news, before your first meeting

One email each morning with the headlines that matter, from every newsroom we follow. Free, and one click to stop.

Sign up free

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

The Zambia Police Service has also reminded members of the public to use social media responsibly and respectfully.

While Article 20 of the Constitution of Zambia provides for freedom of expression, the police have reminded the public that this freedom should be exercised responsibly and with due regard for the rights, dignity, and reputation of others, as well as public morality.

Meanwhile, a representative of the traditional leadership has expressed concern over the manner in which Dr. Kalumba was apprehended, arguing that his position as a traditional leader should have been taken into consideration.

The Senior Chief Puta’s representative said it would have been more appropriate for police to summon Dr. Kalumba rather than send armed officers to apprehend him.

Dr. Kalumba is Sub-Chief Natende, who serves under Senior Chief Puta in Chiengi District

Source: Zambia24 — Read more

Also covering this story

More to read

All Crime & Courts →
One-time sign-up

Keep reading at Zambia24

Lakatips is free, and it stays free. Sign up once and we will send you through to Zambia24 — and to every other newsroom in the network after that, without asking again.

We use your details for the morning briefing and to tell newsrooms how many readers we send them — never as a list to be sold on. See our privacy policy.