OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE ADDITIONAL CHARGE BROUGHT AGAINST DR. FRED M’MEMBE
Issued by Dr. Cosmas Musumali
General Secretary, Socialist Party
Secretary General, People’s Pact Movement
The Socialist Party and the People’s Pact Movement wish to formally address the nation regarding the additional charge brought against our President and Presidential Candidate, Dr. Fred M’membe, while in detention at Chilenje Police Station.
At approximately 17:00 hours today, Dr. M’membe was formally charged under Section 21 of the Cybercrimes Act No. 4 of 2025, for what has been described as the alleged unlawful disclosure of details relating to a police call out connected to an investigation.
We wish to place on record our grave concern regarding this development.
The Cybercrimes Act was enacted to provide a legal framework for addressing cyber-related offences and to regulate the conduct of institutions involved in the handling of electronic data within the context of criminal investigations. It was neither designed nor intended to criminalise a citizen for publicly acknowledging or commenting on a summons issued to him.
The timing and circumstances of this additional charge raise serious questions about the consistent application of the law and the broader state of constitutional governance in our country.
Within a short span of time, Dr. M’membe has faced multiple legal actions. While we respect the role of investigative and prosecutorial authorities, it is imperative that all legal processes be conducted in strict adherence to the Constitution, with due regard for fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and protection from arbitrary detention.
As leaders of the Socialist Party and the People’s Pact Movement, we reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, constitutionalism, and peaceful democratic engagement. We equally urge state institutions to exercise their mandates with impartiality, professionalism, and independence.
We call upon civil society organisations, members of the legal fraternity, the Church, the media, and all stakeholders in Zambia’s democratic process to carefully observe these proceedings and to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
Our position remains clear: legal processes must never be perceived as instruments of political contestation. The integrity of our democratic system depends on public confidence in the neutrality and independence of state institutions.
The Socialist Party and the People’s Pact Movement remain steadfast in their dedication to peaceful political participation and to the advancement of the Zambian people’s democratic aspirations.
We trust that the law will ultimately prevail in a manner that reflects both justice and constitutional propriety.
Dr. Cosmas Musumali
General Secretary – Socialist Party
Secretary General – People’s Pact Movement
Address your supporters, not the nation.
It is a waste of time for this narration. Let Fred M’membe concetrate defending himself on all the offences preferred against him. That is what really matters, not this sympathy you are seeking.
I thought you are informing not giving ignorant analysis of what you clearly are not an expert on.
Leave it to the lawyers in Court. The police are professional law enforcement experts. They know the case will stand in court and it’s winnable.
One of the greatest tragedies in leadership is when those who seek to guide others choose to disregard the very laws they expect everyone else to respect. It is painful to see opposition leaders act with apparent impunity, and then raise alarm when the consequences of their actions finally arrive.
Dr. Mmembe, as an experienced leader, ought to have understood that certain words carry weight and that some utterances inevitably attract legal consequences. To speak carelessly and then protest when the law responds is to ignore the principle of accountability.
What, then, should we expect from law enforcement officers? If laws are broken, are they not duty-bound to act? A nation cannot stand if laws are applied selectively. Responsibility must accompany freedom, and leadership must begin with self-discipline.
This is the same person who is vieing for Presidence sure!!!!!