21/08/2026
State House says Zambia conducting lawful Investigations, not arbitrary arrests
State House has rejected claims that the Zambian Government is conducting arbitrary arrests, saying security and law-enforcement agencies are instead carrying out lawful investigations into suspected criminal activities and threats to national security.
State House Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said there was a sustained campaign by some citizens and sections of the opposition-aligned media to portray legitimate investigations as a programme of arbitrary arrests targeting particular individuals.
Mr Hamasaka described the narrative as false, misplaced and potentially dangerous, arguing that it deliberately blurs the distinction between arbitrary arrest and lawful investigation.
He said Zambia is a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law and that political affiliation, public prominence or claims of persecution cannot provide immunity from lawful investigations where competent authorities have reasonable grounds to investigate suspected criminal conduct or threats to national security.
Mr Hamasaka cited reports and allegations involving the discovery of high-grade military weapons at private residences, claims of specialised or mercenary-style training abroad, public statements allegedly expressing willingness to kill fellow Zambians over an election outcome, calls for harm against or assassination of the President, and attempts to declare a presidential election outcome before the constitutionally mandated authority had concluded the process.
“These are not trivial matters,” Mr Hamasaka said, adding that such issues touch directly on the security of the Republic, the integrity of constitutional government and the safety of citizens.
He said it was the responsibility of a legitimate government to act when credible information concerning potential threats comes to its attention.
Mr Hamasaka said security agencies should be allowed to establish facts, secure possible evidence, identify persons of interest and determine whether offences have been committed.
He stressed, however, that investigations must be conducted professionally, impartially and within the law, with cases supported by sufficient evidence being taken before the courts.
On deaths occurring in circumstances connected to security operations or investigations, Mr Hamasaka said every human life has value and that loss of life is deeply regrettable.
He cautioned against using such incidents to obstruct legitimate investigations into potentially serious threats to national security.
Mr Hamasaka also criticised individuals who evade lawful investigations and subsequently portray the existence of those investigations as political persecution.
He said fleeing to foreign jurisdictions should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that an investigation is arbitrary, arguing that the facts should instead be established through due process.
He further urged commentators and self-appointed experts discussing the matter across various platforms to exercise responsibility and avoid undermining law and order.
Mr Hamasaka said human rights remain fundamental to Zambia's democracy, but should not be invoked as a shield for suspected criminal conduct or as a basis for weakening institutions responsible for protecting the Republic.
He particularly criticised people operating from foreign jurisdictions whom he accused of encouraging narratives capable of inflaming tensions in Zambia.
Mr Hamasaka said those committed to human rights should defend both individual liberty and the rule of law, including the rights of suspects to due process and the right of citizens to live without fear of political violence, assassination, armed destabilisation or unconstitutional seizure of power.
He said the State has a constitutional duty to protect Zambia, its democratic institutions and its people.
“Our democracy will be protected not by weakening the rule of law, but by applying it firmly and without fear or favour,” Mr Hamasaka said.
He maintained that the rights of citizens and the security of the Republic were equally important obligations, saying neither should be sacrificed in favour of the other.
