Lusaka, Zambia – Chris Zumani Zimba, former State House Special Assistant to the President and Political Advisor to former President Edgar Lungu, was arrested and formally charged on November 4, 2025, with offenses under the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. The specific charges leveled against Zimba include Prohibition of Identity-Related Crimes, as stipulated in sections 1 (1)(a), and Prohibition of Harassment and Humiliation, under sections 22 (1)(a) of the Act.

The arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President Given Lubinda on October 9, 2025. Mr. Lubinda, 62, who also chairs the Tonse Alliance, alleged that Zimba had published a false article about him on social media platforms, thereby violating provisions of the Cyber Crimes Act.

According to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, Zimba, 45, of Farm No. 100, Chunga Village, voluntarily reported to Woodlands Police Station at 16:30 hours on November 4, 2025, after receiving a police summons. Upon his appearance, he was officially warned, cautioned, charged, and subsequently arrested for the aforementioned offenses. A docket for the case had been opened, and investigations were already underway prior to his formal arrest.

Despite a recent reconciliation between Zimba and Mr. Lubinda, attempts to formally withdraw the police complaint proved unsuccessful. Lusaka lawyer Kambwa Aongola, who represented both parties, had drafted and signed a letter to withdraw the matter following their reconciliation. This "warm and brotherly" meeting, aimed at fostering unity and healing within the former ruling party, occurred ahead of the National Day of Prayer, Peace, and Reconciliation held on October 18, 2025, and took place at the PF Secretariat in the presence of senior party officials.

However, when Zimba and Lubinda presented themselves to the police to formally withdraw the case, the investigating officer stated that the matter would proceed. The officer clarified that because the complaint constituted a suspected crime, it became a matter between the State and the accused person, transcending the wishes of the complainant to withdraw.

As of now, Zimba remains in police custody at Woodlands Police Station, awaiting his court appearance. Sean Tembo, Spokesperson for the Tonse Alliance, confirmed Zimba’s arrest and voiced profound disappointment that the matter was not withdrawn despite the reconciliation. Tembo expressed, "As Tonse Alliance, we are very saddened that our National Coordinator, Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba, was arrested last night on the basis of a complaint filed a couple of weeks ago by PF Acting President Mr. Given Lubinda." He further lamented Mr. Lubinda's perceived inaction in ensuring the complaint was withdrawn from the police, despite their resolved differences. Tembo indicated that efforts are currently underway to secure Zimba’s release on bond, cautioning that his potential incarceration could be divisive for the Alliance.

In response to the incident, Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga issued a stern warning to the public. He cautioned against the misuse of social media and other digital platforms for spreading false, misleading, or defamatory information about individuals or institutions. Hamoonga emphasized that such conduct is a serious criminal offense under the Cyber Crimes Act and carries severe legal ramifications, including arrest and prosecution. He urged all social media users to exercise responsibility, respect, and restraint in their online interactions, reaffirming the Zambia Police Service’s dedication to ensuring a responsible and safe cyberspace for all citizens.