Kabwe police say Kalumba published electronic material they allege was intended to humiliate President Hakainde Hichilema; he was charged under the Cyber Crimes Act and released on police bond pending court.
Police in Kabwe arrested and charged Dr Katele Kalumba under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 for alleged harassment via electronic content.
Kalumba was apprehended on September 23 in Chienge District, charged on September 24 in Kabwe, and released on police bond with a pending court date.
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi reiterated that freedom of expression in Article 20 of the Constitution must be exercised with regard for others' rights, dignity and reputation.
# What happened
Police in Kabwe arrested and charged former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Katele Kalumba with harassment under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. The Kabwe Central Police Station received the report on September 10, 2026.
# Who reported the matter
The complaint was lodged by Albert Munjulunji, aged 29. Police say the alleged offence involves the publication and dissemination of electronic content intended to humiliate President Hakainde Hichilema.
# Allegations and timeline
According to the police statement, the material in question was published on August 11, 2026. Investigations began after the report was filed on September 10. Kalumba was arrested in Chienge District on September 23 and formally charged at Kabwe Central Police Station on September 24.
# Legal basis and immediate outcome
Kalumba faces a charge of harassment under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. After being charged, he was released on police bond and is expected to appear in court at a future date.
# Official comment
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi issued the statement detailing the arrest and charges. The police used the announcement to remind the public that while Article 20 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, that right should be exercised with due regard for the rights, dignity and reputation of others.
This arrest follows recent enforcement actions involving online speech in Zambia reported by the same outlet, including convictions or arrests tied to dissemination of electronic material and alleged hate speech. Those items show a pattern of authorities applying cybercrime and related laws to social media and messaging-platform content.
# What to watch next
A court appearance date for Dr Kalumba was not provided in the police statement. Expect reporting to focus on the magistrate's docket date, any bail or bond conditions imposed by the court, and how prosecutors frame intent under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act. Follow-up coverage will likely note whether investigators recover the disputed material and whether defence counsel challenges the charge on free-expression grounds.
# Why this matters
The case illustrates how Zambia's cybercrime legislation is being used in cases that involve criticism or insults directed at political leaders. It also raises practical questions about how intent is proved in electronic publication cases and how courts will balance constitutional free-expression guarantees with statutory prohibitions on harassment by electronic means.
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