DMI St Eugene University student nabbed for defaming President Lungu on facebook

By Staff Reporter, Chibombo 

A student of Chibombo's DMI St Eugene University has been arrested for an alleged defamatory comment he made on Facebook about President Edgar Lungu.

Edward Makayi, 35, is student of Engineering at the said university. 

Police Public Relations Officer Esther Mwaata Katongo has confirmed the development in a statement. Ms Katongo stated that Makayi had been arrested in connection with Publication of Defamatory Statements on his Facebook page. 

She said Makayi created the Facebook page in the name of Royson Edwards M. which he used to defame the Head of State, Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo, Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya, and Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja. 

Others include Presidential Press Aid Amos Chanda and Deputy Secretary General of the Patriotic Front Mumbi Phiri. 

Ms Katongo added that Makayi authored and posted defamatory remarks between April, 2017 and July, 2017. 

She further stated that the suspect is scheduled to appear in Court on Thursday, 27th July, 2017 for the offense of Defamation of the President which is contrary to Section 59 of Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia. 

Ms Katongo clarified that the suspect is yet to be slapped with other charges for defaming and use of insulting language against Senior Government officials and other persons. 

She has reminded the public that investigations in other cases where people are using social media to make defamatory and insulting remarks have continued. 

“The Zambia Police working in conjunction with ZICTA have intensified investigations in crimes committed through social media and we hope to bring more culprits to book,” Ms Katongo said. 

Meanwhile, Ms Katongo has also warned members of the public to decist from posting insults and defamatory remarks before the long arm of the Law catches up with them. 

“We also wish to caution all those fond of opening fake accounts on social media using false particulars that such deception will not protect them from prosecution as Law enforcement officers are able to trace your real identity,” she said.