NO ARBITRARY ARRESTS IN ZAMBIA – STATE HOUSE

The government has denied allegations of arbitrary arrests, insisting that Zambia’s security agencies are conducting lawful investigations into grave threats to national security and not a politically motivated crackdown. Meanwhile, State House Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka has accused some citizens and sections of the opposition-aligned media of running a “sustained and increasingly mischievous campaign” to […]

The government has denied allegations of arbitrary arrests, insisting that Zambia’s security agencies are conducting lawful investigations into grave threats to national security and not a politically motivated crackdown.

Meanwhile, State House Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka has accused some citizens and sections of the opposition-aligned media of running a “sustained and increasingly mischievous campaign” to misrepresent police work as targeted persecution.

“This narrative is false, misplaced, and potentially dangerous. It deliberately blurs the important distinction between arbitrary arrest and lawful investigation,” Hamasaka has told the media in a statement.

The State House Staff emphasized that Zambia remains “a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law”and that no one is above it.

“Political affiliation, public prominence, or claims of persecution cannot confer immunity from lawful investigation where competent authorities have reasonable grounds to investigate suspected criminal conduct or threats to national security,” he stated.

Hamasaka said the investigations now attracting public attention must be understood in their proper context.

“These are not trivial matters. They touch directly upon the security of the Republic, the integrity of the constitutional government, and the safety of the Zambian people,” Hamasaka added.

Meanwhile, the police have summoned recent presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu for questioning over matters relating to national security, among others.

The duo has reportedly gone into self-imposed exile at the UN agency in Lusaka.

Francis Chipalo