By Joe Moonga Sibbuyu
NATIONAL SECURITY, PROPAGANDA, AND THE ROAD TO TRUTH: WHY SOBRIETY MUST PREVAIL OVER CHAOS
The passing of former Transport Minister Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya is an undeniable tragedy. As a nation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this incredibly painful time. However, as the facts surrounding the joint security task force operation in Kabulonga begin to emerge, it is critical that we, as Zambians, separate raw emotion from national security realities.
An active investigation is underway regarding the recovery of military-grade equipment, tactical gear, and an unfortunate exchange of gunfire where security forces were met with armed resistance. During such a delicate time, our national stability depends entirely on our collective patience, sobriety, and trust in the law enforcement agencies working to protect us.
Unfortunately, what we are witnessing on social media is the exact opposite of sobriety.
1. THE TOXICITY OF DIASPORA PROPAGANDA: FUELING FIRES FROM AFAR
While the nation mourns and awaits a detailed investigation, the Tonse Alliance media team—largely operating safely from the Diaspora—has launched a highly coordinated, toxic propaganda campaign. From the comfort of foreign cities, these actors are deliberately attempting to set Zambia ablaze by spreading unverified claims, malicious rumours, and divisive narratives.
Zambia is at this stage of deep political polarisation precisely because of the aggressive and manipulative misinformation pushed by these same propagandists, who will stop at nothing until they see Zambia on fire—a situation no sane Zambian will ever allow. It is easy to beat war drums and incite public fury when you face zero consequences and do not live in the communities that would suffer from unrest. This serious matter involves national security, insurgency risks, and the recovery of high-grade weapons. Rushing to social media to play politics with a fatal security raid is not just irresponsible; it is dangerous to our peaceful coexistence. We urge all well-meaning Zambians to completely reject this external digital pollution and prioritise peace.
2. THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR PERMANENT SECRETARIES: WHY THEY KNEW NOTHING
In the wake of this incident, heavy criticism has been directed at three of our state officials, including Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, with accusations that they deliberately misled the public. This narrative is deeply flawed and ignores how state intelligence actually operates.
When a joint task force conducts a sensitive security operation—especially one hinging on severe elements like espionage, terrorism, or treason—information is locked down under the strictest protocols of secrecy. In the intelligence world, those with proximity to the media or civilian spokespersons are explicitly kept in the dark. This is standard global practice, not to deceive, but to ensure that no one inadvertently spills the beans, tips off suspects, or compromises ongoing investigations.
When Thabo Kawana and others initially dismissed the rumours of a shooting, they did so based on the lack of civilian or standard institutional records available to them at that exact moment. They did not lie; they genuinely knew nothing because the operational security required them to know nothing. They are entirely innocent of any attempt to mislead.
A CALL FOR NATIONAL CALM
When high-grade weapons are found and an active investigation into militia or insurgent activity is underway, the state has a sovereign duty to act firmly to protect its citizens. We do not yet have the full, exhaustive picture of everything that transpired in that residence. Rushing to judgment serves no one but political opportunists.
Let us refuse to be manipulated by long-distance internet operators. Let us stand firmly by our national security wings, allow the forensic and legal processes to finish their work, and maintain the peace that defines Zambia.