On July 17, 2026, Macpherson Mukuka, a journalist with state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), was detained at Kabwata Police Station in the capital Lusaka.
Mukuka was taken into custody over an alleged violation of Section 10 of Zambia’s 2025 Cyber Crimes Act, which prohibits recording a private conversation without prior notice, according to the journalist’s lawyer Simon Mulenga Mwila, who spoke to CPJ, and a police statement, reviewed by CPJ. The maximum penalty under the cyber law is up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 penalty units (US$4,450), or both.
Mukuka was accused of publishing the 30-minute audio recording on the EARTH Television – Zambia Facebook page, which reports on climate issues. The recording was described on the page as involving public servants in a Presidential Campaign Team committee discussing how they will work with polling station staff to “help people vote for their master.” CPJ was unable to verify the authenticity of the recording.
The case comes weeks ahead of Zambia’s August 13 election, when President Hakainde Hichilema hopes to win a second term.
On July 21, police recorded a warn and caution statement and later charged and arrested Mukuka under the cyber laws.
Zambian law requires an accused person be brought before court within 24 hours of their arrest or released on police bond.
On July 23, Mukuka filed an application for a writ of habeas corpus seeking his release, Mwila said.
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi told CPJ on July 22, via messaging app, that Mukuka would appear in court soon, without providing a specific date.
But on July 29, police slapped Mukuka with an additional charge of seditious practices that carries a seven-year sentence if found guilty.
On July 31, he was released after the High Court granted him bail, with High Court judge Elita Mwikisa condemning the state to costs as a legal consequence of unlawfully depriving the journalist of his liberty for 14 days.
On October 20, Zambia’s High Court is due to rule on a petition filed by the Law Association of Zambia and the nonprofit Chapter One Foundation challenging the constitutionality of several provisions of the Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act, which could threaten investigative reporting and whistleblowing. CPJ provided technical guidance to the nonprofit Free Press Initiative, which is an amicus curiae, or a friend of the court.