State uncovers alleged plot to destabilise Zambia ahead of general elections

171 Views The Zambian Government says it has uncovered an alleged plot to interfere with the country’s electoral system ahead of tomorrow’s General Election, resulting in the arrest of several people, including three former senior Government officials. Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo disclosed the development during a joint press […]

171 Views

The Zambian Government says it has uncovered an alleged plot to interfere with the country’s electoral system ahead of tomorrow’s General Election, resulting in the arrest of several people, including three former senior Government officials.

Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo disclosed the development during a joint press briefing with Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana on Wednesday evening.

Matembo said a joint investigations team comprising defence and security agencies conducted an intelligence-led operation which resulted in the apprehension of suspects allegedly involved in activities aimed at disrupting Zambia’s electoral system.

According to the Permanent Secretary, three former senior Government officials are currently in lawful custody after allegedly providing technical services intended to interfere with the electoral system.

The Government has also invited three other individuals — Japhen Mwakalombe, Mwila Kakana and Sensho Banda — to assist with investigations after they were allegedly found in possession of more than K7.3 million.

Matembo said the source and intended purpose of the money had not yet been established.

He said the three individuals, through their lawyers, had indicated that they would only be available to assist with investigations after August 14, a day after the elections.

The investigations have also allegedly uncovered sensitive military intelligence on some electronic devices seized from the three individuals.

The Government says this has raised concerns over possible unauthorised access to protected information.

In a related development, the State has apprehended a 56-year-old Kenyan national identified as Michael Njuka, who is alleged to have been contracted to engage in cybercrime activities targeting the State.

Matembo did not provide further details on the specific cybercrime activities allegedly linked to Njuka.

The Permanent Secretary also dismissed reports circulating on various media platforms suggesting that the State had abducted individuals in connection with the investigations.

He explained that former Zambian Ambassador Martha Lungu Mwitumwa and journalist Hannah Katontoka had been apprehended to assist with investigations but had since been released from lawful custody.

The developments come just hours before Zambia goes to the polls on August 13, with the country entering the final stages of a highly contested presidential and general election.

Matembo said the defence and security wings remained on high alert as the country prepares for polling.

He said law enforcement and security agencies would continue taking all necessary lawful measures to safeguard national security, protect critical systems and prevent attempts to undermine the electoral process.

He further appealed to members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant before, during and after the elections.

Matembo warned that individuals found attempting to compromise national security, interfere with critical systems or engage in criminal activities would be dealt with according to the law.

However, the Government’s claims have already attracted questions from the opposition.

Emmanuel Mwamba, spokesperson for the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, questioned how activities associated with the opposition alliance’s election preparations could constitute criminal activity.

“How can a Vote Protection Program, Training Party Agents and Running a PVT be a Criminal Offence?” Mwamba questioned.

The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has been running a vote-protection programme ahead of Thursday’s election, including training of party agents and preparations for parallel voter tabulation (PVT).

The Government’s statement did not specifically identify the three former senior officials or publicly establish that the activities referred to by Mwamba were the alleged activities forming the basis of the arrests.

The State has instead maintained that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be dealt with according to the law.

The competing positions come at a particularly sensitive moment, with Zambia set to vote tomorrow in an election that has already been marked by political tensions, allegations of violence and disputes between the ruling party and opposition over the conduct of the campaign.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain peaceful and allow the electoral process to proceed without interference.