February 26, 2024-
The Zambia Police Service has detained Mr. Raphael Nakachinda, aged 45, of Plot Number 1794, Kafue, for disobedience of statutory duties, as outlined in section 126 of the Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
In a statement this morning, Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga explained that this action is in connection with section 18(1) (b) and (f) of the Electoral Commission of Zambia Act number 25 of 2016.
Mr. Hamoonga said Mr. Nakachinda, who was then Publicity Secretary for the Patriotic Front party at the time, allegedly provided false information to the public that pre-marked ballots had been dispatched to Lusangazi, Mkushi, and Mwense by-elections on November 4, 2022.
The Police Public Relations Officer stated that this information was published in the Daily Nation newspaper, dated Friday, November 4, 2022, volume 8, issue 3470, registration number 1001.
Mr. Hamoonga noted that in addition to disseminating false information, Mr. Nakachinda is accused of refusing to comply with lawful summons issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia between November 4 and 7, 2022.
- โThe suspect will be officially charged, and we anticipate his appearance in court in the near future. The Zambia Police Service is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the integrity of electoral processes.โ Mr. Hamoonga said