By Memory Mwale
Police in Lusaka have arrested a 35-year-old man for defaming President Hakainde Hichilema on TikTok.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that Lawrence Bwalya Muchinda committed the offense on 21’s August this year.
“Police at Kabwata Police Station have formally charged and arrested Lawrence Bwalya Muchinda aged 35 of unmarked residence in Barlestone in Lusaka west for the offence of Defamation of the President Contrary to Section 69 of the Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia,” Mr Hamoonga stated.
He stated that the accused will appear in court soon.
“Brief facts of the matter are that the accused on 21st August, 2022 at unknown time in Lusaka City of the Lusaka Province of the Republic of Zambia did by way of using Tik Tok a social media application in his names publish defamatory remarks against the President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-In-of the Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.
The accused is currently detained in custody and will appear in court soon,”Mr Hamoonga stated.
He warned those that are in the habit of committing offences on the cyber space.
“The Zambia Police Service would like to warn persons who are in the habit of committing criminal offences on the cyber space that gone are the days that they can commit offences and expect not to be traced and arrested,” Mr Hamoonga stated.