Zambian Police Arrest Sean E. Tembo and Stardy Mwale on Hate Speech
President of Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), Sean E. Tembo, aged 43, found himself in police custody following an arrest related to allegations of hate speech. The arrest was made under the provisions of section 65 of the Cyber-security and Cyber-crimes Act number two of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.
The incident reportedly transpired on October 17, 2023, at 20:31 hours when Mr. Tembo allegedly posted a hate speech message on a Facebook page registered under the name “Sean E. Tembo.”
After a call-out was issued for him to report to the Police Headquarters on October 23, 2023, Mr. Tembo failed to appear.
Efforts were also made to contact Mr. Tembo’s legal representation, but their calls remained unanswered, despite prior commitments to cooperate with the authorities. Following this, police officers decided to pay a visit to Mr. Tembo’s residence on October 25, 2023, around 09:00 hours.
However, when they requested him to come out, he reportedly chose to barricade himself inside his home. Consequently, the officers were left with no alternative but to enter the house forcibly. Sean Tembo was taken into police custody and is presently detained, awaiting formal charges.
Stardy Mwale, 53, of Chinfunshi area, Chililabombwe: Arrested for Seditious Practices
In another distinct incident, Stardy Mwale, aged 53, hailing from Chinfunshi area in Chililabombwe, was apprehended by the police. His arrest is in connection with suspected seditious practices, under the provisions of section 57 of the Penal Code, as read with section 60.
The accusations against Mr. Mwale stem from actions taken between October 12, 2023, and October 17, 2023. During this time frame, it is alleged that he disseminated an audio message across various social media platforms, in which he purportedly instructed millers across the country to cease the production of mealie meal for a period of 30 days.
Furthermore, the audio contained sentiments intended to incite millers to revolt against the government.
Stardy Mwale is currently detained in police custody, awaiting the formal filing of charges.
These arrests signify the Zambian authorities’ commitment to upholding the law and protecting public order, particularly in the face of offenses related to hate speech and seditious practices.
The legal proceedings and outcomes of these cases will continue to be monitored as they unfold.
this information is contained in a statement released by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale.
