Two Women Arrested in Nyimba Over Alleged Insults Against Hichilema

Police Arrest Two Suspects After Video Allegedly Insulting President-Elect Goes Viral

Police in Nyimba District have arrested two of three women who allegedly insulted President-elect Hakainde Hichilema and people who voted for him in a video that went viral on social media.

The three women are reportedly from Masangano Village in Chief Ndake’s area. Following the circulation of the video, police launched investigations that led to the arrest of two of the women.

Two Suspects Identified

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the arrests to Breeze FM News.

He identified the two suspects as 29-year-old Rosemary Tembo and 32-year-old Afelida Tembo.

The third woman, identified only as Aselida, remains at large and is reportedly being sought by police in connection with the matter.

Police Say Video Led to Investigations

According to police, the matter came to their attention after a video showing the three women allegedly making insulting remarks about Hichilema and his supporters circulated widely on social media.

The incident comes shortly after the country’s general elections, in which Hichilema emerged victorious.

Police have warned members of the public against using social media platforms to make statements that could amount to criminal offences, particularly where such statements are alleged to constitute hate speech or insults.

Suspects Allegedly Blamed Alcohol

Mweemba said the two women told police during interviews that they had committed the alleged offence while they were drunk.

However, the police command said being under the influence of alcohol would not prevent the law from being applied if investigations establish that an offence was committed.

Mweemba warned people who have a habit of insulting others that the law would be applied accordingly once they are found guilty.

Suspects Expected to Appear in Court

The two women are expected to be transferred to Chipata Central Police Station, where a docket will be compiled before the matter proceeds to court.

According to Mweemba, the suspects are expected to face charges relating to hate speech and insults.

The police process will allow the allegations against the two women to be formally presented before the courts, where they will have an opportunity to respond to the charges.

Third Suspect Still at Large

Police are continuing efforts to locate the third woman, identified as Aselida.

Authorities have not indicated when she may be apprehended, but investigations into the matter remain ongoing.

The case has also renewed discussion about the responsibilities of social media users, particularly during politically sensitive periods when videos and statements can spread rapidly across different platforms.

The allegations against the suspects remain allegations until determined by a court of law.