LUSAKA - A joint investigations team comprising defence and security agencies has apprehended several suspects in connection with an alleged plan to interfere with Zambia’s electoral system ahead of the August 2026 General Election.
According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation.
The Ministry said three former senior government officials had been apprehended for allegedly providing technical services aimed at disrupting the electoral system. The trio is currently being held in lawful custody.
Meanwhile, the State has invited Japhen Mwakalombe, Mwila Kakana and Sensho Banda to assist with ongoing investigations.
The Ministry said the three were found in possession of more than K7.3 million, whose source and intended purpose have yet to be established. According to the statement, the three, through their lawyers, indicated that they would only be available after August 14, 2026.
Investigations have also allegedly identified sensitive military intelligence information on some electronic devices seized from the trio, raising concerns over possible unauthorised access to protected information.
In a related development, the State has apprehended a 56-year-old Kenyan national identified as Michael Njuka, who is alleged to have been contracted to engage in cybercrime targeting the State.
The Ministry has denied allegations circulating on various media platforms that anyone had been abducted in connection with the investigations. It said former Ambassador Martha Lungu and journalist Hannah Katontoka were apprehended to assist with ongoing investigations and have since been released from lawful custody.
As Zambia heads to the polls on August 13, 2026, the Ministry said defence and security agencies remain on high alert to safeguard national peace, security and the rule of law.
The Ministry urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, and to refrain from activities that may threaten peace and stability before, during and after the elections.
It further warned that anyone found attempting to compromise national security, interfere with critical systems or engage in criminal activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security | By: Dickson Matembo