79 Cyber crime suspects targeted to attack government systems including ECZ – DEC
Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) investigations into 79 people recently apprehended in Lusaka, has revealed that suspects operated a clandestine digital laboratory to compromise the security, integrity and availability of strategic Government information systems.
The systems targeted include those linked to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Yesterday, authorities announced the apprehension of blabbed on Sunday, during a joint State security operation conducted by law enforcement agencies at Evana Estates in New Kasama, Lusaka.
DEC public relations officer Allan Tamba said specialised digital forensic investigations conducted after the arrests unearthed new evidence regarding the activities of the suspects.
Tamba said the suspects had no legal authority to operate a computer laboratory in Zambia and conducted their activities secretly and deceptively in a manner intended to undermine national security.
He said Government computer systems contain and process information critical to the functioning of the State and that unauthorised access, alteration, destruction, disclosure or disruption of such systems could expose sensitive information and interrupt essential public services.
Tamba said cyber-attacks could further expose citizens to identity-related crimes and result in significant financial and reputational losses.
He said such attacks could also affect critical infrastr
The commission said the Cyber Crimes Act prohibits unauthorised access to computer systems and data, adding that anyone who intentionally and without lawful authority, or in excess of their authority, infringes a security measure or accesses or monitors another person’s computer system commits an offence.
“The Commission will not tolerate the use of digital technologies to threaten national security, compromise Government systems, steal information, disrupt essential services or facilitate other criminal activities,” Tamba said.
He, however, said all the 79 suspects would be dealt with in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Zambia, while their rights would be respected throughout the investigative and judicial processes.
Tamba urged members of the public to use digital technologies responsibly and refrain from attempting to gain unauthorised access to computer systems, websites, databases, networks or electronic accounts.
Kalemba August 25, 2026
The law enforcement agencies deserve commendation for the great work of apprehending individuals suspected of cyberattacks and other criminal activities. However, the investigations should be intensified and taken to the root of this criminality so that all those involved are brought to account in accordance with the law.
Where are those critics of the government who alleged that cybersecurity measures and cyber laws were intended to restrict people’s rights and freedoms? Such claims were made in ignorance. Recent developments demonstrate that properly enforced cyber laws are not inherently about restricting citizens’ freedoms, but about protecting individuals, institutions, and national security from criminal activities.
The public should also refrain from making negative or premature comments about people arrested in connection with alleged militia activities. Investigations should be left in the hands of the appropriate law enforcement and security agencies, and everyone should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
National security is a priority, and combating serious criminality requires both effective law enforcement and respect for due process.