Zambian Police Officer Arrested for Defaming President Lungu

Police in Zambia have apprehended and detained a fellow police officer for defaming President Edgar Lungu.

The country’s Central Province Commissioner of Police, Joel Njase confirmed the development in an interview with ZambianObserver and named the officer as Detective Sergeant Mutakela Manyando.

Njase said the renegade officer was apprehended on Sunday around 12: 30 hours at the Council Guest House in Serenje district.

He said the suspect has been warned and cautioned and remains in custody waiting for instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Mr Njase said once instructions are received from the DPP, the culprit will be charged under CAP 87 Section 69 of the Laws of Zambia for defamation of the head of state and will appear in court.

He disclosed that the suspect was apprehended on Sunday around 12: 30 hours after some council officers reported him at Serenje Police Station.

Mr Njase explained that the culprit allegedly stated that there is no, “One Zambia One Nation and that there is no President.”

He noted that there is a government and the Head of State in place adding that the allegation borders on serious security breach of the nation.