Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M’membe has been released on police bond following his arrest by the Zambia Police Service on charges of harassment and humiliation under the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.
The 66-year-old opposition leader was formally charged and detained at Chilenje Police Station earlier this week and is expected to appear in court at a later date as investigations continue.
On March 2, 2026, the Zambia Police Service in Lusaka formally charged and arrested Dr. M’membe with the offence of harassment and humiliation, contrary to Section 22(2)(a) and (b) of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.
Police alleged that on February 26, 2026, in Lusaka, Dr. M’membe made statements during a radio programme which was simultaneously streamed live on a Facebook page known as “Dr. M’membe.”
The statements were described as vulgar and allegedly intended to humiliate the President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Hakainde Hichilema.
Dr. M’membe and his sympathisers have condemned the arrest.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
