State nabs 3 ex-govt officials over plot to disrupt elections

HOME Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo has revealed that three former senior government officials have been arrested for allegedly providing technical services aimed at disrupting the electoral system. Meanwhile, Matembo says the State has invited Tonse Alliance members Japhen Mwakalombe, Mwila Kakana and Sensio Banda to assist with investigations after they were […]

HOME Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo has revealed that three former senior government officials have been arrested for allegedly providing technical services aimed at disrupting the electoral system.

Meanwhile, Matembo says the State has invited Tonse Alliance members Japhen Mwakalombe, Mwila Kakana and Sensio Banda to assist with investigations after they were found in possession of more than K7.3 million, whose source and intended purpose are yet to be established.

Matembo further says authorities have arrested three individuals who recently travelled abroad for military-related training, while businessman Valden Findlay was also arrested and charged with allegedly facilitating the activities under investigation.

Recently, NRPUP Presidential Affairs Chairperson Binwell Mpundu claimed that three individuals who were sent to Russia for security training to protect Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu were abducted upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka.

Further, Tonse Pamodzi Alliance Presidential Spokesperson George Chisanga disclosed that the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) had seized K7.3 million from the NRPUP, funds he said were meant for election activities.

Speaking at a briefing, Tuesday, Matembo said Mwakalombe, Kakana and Banda had, through their lawyers, indicated that they would only be available after August 14 to explain the source of the money.

“There was a joint operation that was undertaken by the security wings, comprising defence and security agencies. [They] conducted an intelligence led operation that has culminated in the apprehension of several suspects in connection with an alleged plan to interfere with Zambia’s electoral system ahead of the 2026 general elections. Following successful operations, the State has apprehended three former senior government officials for allegedly providing technical services aimed at disrupting the electoral system. The trio are currently being held in lawful custody. Meanwhile, the State has extended invitations to Mr Japhen Mwakalombe, Mr Mwila Kakana, Mr Sensio Banda, to assist with ongoing investigations. The three were found in possession of [a] substantial amount of money estimated at over K7.3 million, whose source and intended purpose are yet to be established,” he said.

“Despite being invited by the State to explain the source of the funds, the three have written through their lawyers indicating that they would only be available after 14th August. Yes, DEC got that money but DEC invited the three people that are connected to this money to explain, so it’s not DEC that has delayed, it’s the group of people that have been invited to help clear this money so that they collect it. So, we await for them to get to DEC offices and have the money cleared and be collected. Investigations have also identified sensitive military intelligence information on some of the electronic devices seized from the trio, raising further concerns regarding the unauthorised access to protected information”.

And Matembo said security and law enforcement agencies had, over several months, gathered intelligence on some Zambian nationals who were allegedly undergoing military-related training abroad.

He disclosed that on August 1, 2026, security officers arrested driver Dickson Tembo, unemployed teacher Victor Muzyamba and businessman Gideon Ezra Tolopa at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport after they returned from abroad.

“Over the past few months, law enforcement and security agencies have been jointly acting on intelligence concerning activities involving Zambian nationals who are alleged to have been undertaking military related training outside Zambia. Government considers this matter to be of national and state security importance. Government takes seriously any activities by individuals or groups that may have implications over public safety and national security. On 1st August, 2026, a combined team of security officers intercepted three Zambian nationals at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport upon their return to Zambia from abroad. The three individuals are Mr Dickson Tembo, a driver, Mr Victor Muzyamba, an unemployed teacher and Mr Gideon Ezra Tolopa, a businessman. The arrest followed months of intelligence gathering, monitoring and analysis of information received from various sources,” he explained.

“Preliminary investigations establish that the three individuals had travelled outside Zambia on 2nd July, allegedly with the assistance or sponsorship of other individuals and are alleged to have undertaken military related training while abroad. Upon their interception at KKIA, security officers recovered military style regalia, military related accessories, training certificates, notes relating to the alleged training and electronic devices including mobile phones and a laptop containing information believed to be relevant to the investigations. The three suspects were charged with the following offences: One, Unlawful Drilling, contrary to Section 662 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, as read with Section 41b of the Public Order Act, Chapter 113. Two, Unauthorised Use of Uniform, contrary to Section 61a of the State Security Act, Chapter 11 of the Laws of Zambia and three, Prohibition of Terrorism, contrary to Section 19 of the Anti-Terrorism and Non-Proliferation Act No.6 0f 2018. The three suspects have since appeared before the court and been remanded in custody pending further proceedings”.

Matembo said investigations to locate and apprehend other people believed to be connected to the matter were continuing.

“Investigations have established links to other individuals alleged to have facilitated or sponsored the activities under investigations. In this regard, Mr Valden Findlay, a businessman, has also been apprehended and charged in connection with the alleged facilitation of the activities under investigation. He has also appeared before the court and been remanded in custody pending further investigations. Investigations to locate and apprehend other persons of interest believed to be connected to this matter are continuing. This matter should not be trivialised, misrepresented or politicised. Government has a constitutional responsibility to protect the lives, property and security of the people of Zambia, and to safeguard peace, stability and territorial integrity of the Republic,” said Matembo.

Matembo further said the State had apprehended 56-year-old Kenyan national Michael Njuka, who is accused of being contracted to engage in cyber crimes targeting the State.

He added that contrary to reports circulating on various media platforms, the State had not abducted anyone in connection with the ongoing investigations.

Matembo said former ambassador Martha Lungu and journalist Hannah Katontoka were apprehended to assist with investigations and had since been released.

Meanwhile, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said Japhen Mwakalombe and his colleagues should explain the source of the K7.3 million, noting that NRPUP had earlier said it had raised K800,000 through contributions.