As Zambia Police Service, we have noticed with concern on the continued unlawful acts of abuse of social media platforms by some members of the public.
Some criminally minded people have continued abusing social media platforms by indiscriminately posting insulting and abusive language as well as defamatory remarks in which they are attacking innocent citizens who may not be in a position to defend themselves.
We wish to remind the public that the use of electronic communication with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause emotional distress to a person is a serious offence which is Contrary to Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes no. 2 of 2021.
Similarly, the use of insulting language and defamation of the President constitute serious offences prohibited in the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
The Constitution of Zambia under Article 193(2) mandates the Zambia Police Service to preserve peace, maintain law and order and ensuring the safety and security of people and at the same time upholding the fundamental rights of members of the public.
Arising from our mandate of maintaining law and order and protecting citizens from all forms of abuse, we shall not relent from arresting or dealing sternly with any perpetrators of such offences in accordance with the law.
I wish to warn that as long as you are using any electronic gadget, be it a phone, computer, camera or whatever, we have the capability to trace you in any part of the country and i can assure you that we will catch up with you.
Lastly, we wish to thank concerned members of the public for their continuous cooperation and providing the police with information that to some extent has led to the apprehension of perpetrators of such offences.
LEMMY KAJOBA
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
18TH JUNE, 2022
