Arrests, Russia Training and K7.3 Million: What We Know

🇿🇲 EXPLAINER | Arrests, Russia Training and K7.3 Million: What We Know LUSAKA, Thursday, August 13, 2026 | Zambians are voting today against the backdrop of an expanding security investigation involving alleged foreign military training, suspected attempts to interfere with the electoral system, a Kenyan national accused of cybercrime, more than K7.3 million seized from […]

🇿🇲 EXPLAINER | Arrests, Russia Training and K7.3 Million: What We Know

LUSAKA, Thursday, August 13, 2026 | Zambians are voting today against the backdrop of an expanding security investigation involving alleged foreign military training, suspected attempts to interfere with the electoral system, a Kenyan national accused of cybercrime, more than K7.3 million seized from people linked to the TONSE Alliance, and several arrests.

The developments have produced two sharply different accounts. TONSE says state agencies have targeted its campaign, detained or “abducted” people associated with its operations and seized money intended for polling agents. Government rejects the abduction claims and says security agencies are conducting lawful investigations into matters touching on national and state security.

The story did not begin with government allegations about Russia. TONSE Alliance chairperson for Presidential Affairs Binwell Mpundu disclosed during the campaign that members of the alliance’s security team had travelled to Russia for training. He later alleged some of those individuals had been abducted after returning to Zambia. Those remarks placed the foreign training issue in the public domain before authorities gave a detailed account of their investigations.

Yesterday, August 12th, President Hakainde Hichilema addressed the matter during an interview with ZNBC. “I’m the chief shushushu,” he said. “You can’t send people to a foreign country to learn military skills and come back to disrupt elections in this country, and expect not to be arrested.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security has since provided its account. It says security agencies had been acting for months on intelligence concerning Zambian nationals suspected of undertaking military-related training abroad. Authorities say three Zambians, Dickson Tembo, described as a driver, Victor Zamba, an unemployed teacher, and businessman Gideon Ezra Toropa, were intercepted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on August 1 after returning from abroad.

According to the Ministry, the three left Zambia on July 2 with assistance from other people and allegedly underwent military-related training while outside the country. Authorities say military-style regalia, military-related accessories, training certificates, notes, mobile phones and a laptop were recovered.

These remain allegations. Government has not publicly presented evidence establishing the purpose of the alleged training or proving an intention to interfere with the election. Those questions will require investigation and, where charges arise, determination through the courts.

A separate intelligence-led operation has widened the matter. The Ministry says three former senior government officials have been apprehended for allegedly providing technical services aimed at disrupting Zambia’s electoral system. Authorities say the three remain in lawful custody. Businessman Valden Findlay has also been arrested and charged in connection with the investigation, according to the government account.

Then comes the K7.3 million, perhaps the clearest point of direct conflict between the two accounts.

TONSE presidential spokesperson George Chisanga says approximately K7.3 million seized by state agencies was legitimate election money intended for polling agents and vote-protection operations. “The amount of money seized by the state agents such as DEC is about K7.3 million,” Chisanga told reporters. “It was meant for voter activities but now it’s gone to the state.”

TONSE says losing the money affected its ability to deploy polling agents and finance some final campaign activities, including its planned physical campaign in Southern Province.

Government disputes the explanation as an established fact. The Ministry says Japhen Mwakalombe, Mila Kakana and Sesho Banda were found with more than K7.3 million whose source and intended purpose authorities are investigating. It says the three have been invited to assist investigators but indicated through their lawyers they would only become available after August 14.

Authorities have made another serious claim. The Ministry says sensitive military intelligence information was identified on some electronic devices seized during the investigation, raising questions about possible unauthorised access to protected information. No detailed evidence supporting this allegation has yet been made public.

A 56-year-old Kenyan national, Michael Juka, has also been arrested. Government alleges he was contracted to engage in cybercrime targeting the state. Authorities have not publicly established who allegedly contracted him, what systems were targeted or whether any attempted interference succeeded. Those remain matters under investigation.

The arrests also intersect with TONSE’s claims of abductions. Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile said people connected to his campaign and security operation had disappeared and appealed to churches, lawyers, journalists, civil society, diplomats and election observers to take an interest.

The Ministry rejects the description of those operations as abductions. It says former ambassador Martha Nungu and journalist Hannah Katontoka were apprehended to assist investigations and subsequently released. Government maintains other people being sought or held are part of lawful security investigations.

This leaves Zambia with two competing narratives on polling day. TONSE describes a crackdown which weakened its campaign and disrupted its ability to protect its vote. Government describes an intelligence-led operation responding to suspected military training, cyber activity, sensitive security information and possible attempts to interfere with the electoral system.

Neither narrative should be treated as a judicial finding. Association with an opposition party does not establish innocence or guilt. A government allegation does not become proven merely because security agencies announce it. Evidence, due process and the courts remain central.

The timing raises the stakes. Zambians are voting today, while some investigations remain active and political tensions remain elevated. Security agencies have a duty to protect the state and electoral infrastructure. They also carry a responsibility to exercise those powers lawfully and accountably, particularly during an election.

The People’s Brief will continue separating allegation from evidence, political claim from established fact, and investigation from conviction. On a day when information will move quickly, our commitment remains simple: verify first, provide context and let the facts lead.

© The People’s Brief | Ollus R. Ndomu