Simuuwe denies FRA fraud claims, reports Mwamba to police over ‘false’ publications United Party for National Development Media Director Mark Simuuwe has dismissed allegations linking him, President Hakainde Hichilema and several other individuals to the fraudulent acquisition of…

Simuuwe denies FRA fraud claims, reports Mwamba to police over ‘false’ publications
United Party for National Development Media Director Mark Simuuwe has dismissed allegations linking him, President Hakainde Hichilema and several other individuals to the fraudulent acquisition of maize from the Food Reserve Agency, describing the claims as false, malicious and defamatory.

In a statement issued on 22 July, Mr Simuuwe said neither he nor the President had fraudulently obtained maize from the agency or failed to meet any payment obligations as alleged in publications circulating on social media. He said the allegations form part of what he described as a coordinated disinformation campaign intended to mislead the public and damage the reputations of those named.

Mr Simuuwe also rejected documents circulating online that purport to link him to the matter, including material said to originate from the Zambia National Service, saying they were fabricated and should not be regarded as authentic. He disclosed that the matter has been reported to the Zambia Police Service for investigation, arguing that the publication and circulation of false information and fabricated documents may constitute offences under the Cyber Security Act of 2025 and other applicable laws.
He further confirmed that he has separately reported former diplomat Emmanuel Mwamba to police over what he described as a series of false and malicious online publications. According to Mr Simuuwe, the complaints include allegations concerning his academic qualifications, including claims that he never attended the University of Zambia, as well as publications relating to the Food Reserve Agency and the Zambia National Service, which he maintains are false.
Mr Simuuwe stated that he holds two degrees from the University of Zambia, and accused those behind the publications of deliberately spreading misinformation about his background and business dealings.
He warned that anyone found to have originated, knowingly shared or republished false information in breach of the Cyber Security Act and other laws could face legal action, and urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it on digital platforms. “Freedom of expression should not be used to justify the publication of falsehoods or fabricated documents,” he said.
Mr Simuuwe expressed confidence that law enforcement agencies would investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that anyone found responsible is dealt with in accordance with the law.
The denial follows the earlier circulation of correspondence between the Zambia National Service’s Chongwe Milling Plant and a company associated with Mr Simuuwe, which showed an outstanding balance for mealie meal supplied on credit and a subsequent proposal to repay it in instalments. Mr Simuuwe’s statement disputes the authenticity of documents linked to that matter, though it does not specifically address the correspondence in detail.
Mr Mwamba has not yet issued a public response to Mr Simuuwe’s complaint. Neither the Zambia Police Service nor the Zambia National Service has commented publicly on the status of any investigation. The matter remains unresolved, with both the underlying allegations and Mr Simuuwe’s denial yet to be tested through any formal process.