HARARE – Zambian authorities say they have uncovered a plot to “interfere with Zambia’s electoral system” ahead of Thursday’s general election, in which president Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term against his strongest challenger, Tonse Alliance leader and former Patriotic Front MP and minister Brian Mundubile.
The ministry of home affairs and internal security said a joint investigations team comprising defence and security agencies had apprehended three former senior government officials for allegedly providing technical services aimed at disrupting the electoral system. The trio are being held in custody.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said it had also invited Japhen Mwakalombe, Mwila Kakana and Sensho Banda to assist with investigations after they were found in possession of about K7.3 million – roughly US$390,000 – whose “source and intended purpose are yet to be established.”
The three, through their lawyers, indicated they would only be available for questioning after August 14.
Investigators also said they had found “sensitive military intelligence information” on electronic devices seized from the three, raising what the ministry described as concerns over unauthorised access to protected information.
In a related development, authorities said they had apprehended a Kenyan national, Michael Njuka, 56, accused of being contracted to carry out cyber-crimes targeting the state.
Permanent secretary Dickson Matembo denied that the state had abducted anyone in connection with the investigations, after reports circulated on various media platforms alleging as much.
He said former ambassador Martha Lungu and journalist Hannah Katontoka had been apprehended to assist investigations and had since been released from custody.
“Any persons found attempting to compromise national security, interfere with critical systems or engage in criminal activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Matembo said in the statement.
Zambians go to the polls on Thursday, with Hichilema widely expected to win a second term.
