The Government has warned members of the public against creating, sharing, or distributing an alleged artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video purportedly showing former President Edgar Lungu undergoing a post-mortem examination.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana says authorities are aware of individuals allegedly producing and circulating the video in an attempt to provoke public emotions and influence the electoral process ahead of the August 13 General Elections.

Mr. Kawana urged those responsible to consider the feelings of the late former President’s family and close associates, describing the content as distressing, insensitive, and inappropriate.

He warned that the dissemination of false and manipulated content has the potential to mislead the public, fuel tensions, and undermine national unity during the election period.

Commenting on the ongoing political campaigns, Mr. Kawana said claims from some quarters that the campaigns appear dull are largely due to the absence of violence, illicit spending, and other activities often associated with the misuse of public resources.

He stated that opposition political parties have failed to present a clear message to voters or offer alternatives to government programmes and services currently being implemented across the country.

Mr. Kawana further attributed the peaceful political atmosphere to prudent management of national resources and what he described as strong and effective leadership under the current administration.

He added that the 2026 electoral period is likely to be among the most peaceful in Zambia’s history, urging all stakeholders to continue promoting peace, responsible conduct, and issue-based campaigns.

The Permanent Secretary also called on citizens to verify information before sharing it online and to avoid spreading content that could cause unnecessary distress or misinformation.

The body of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV is expected to arrive in Chipata today as thousands of mourners gather to pay their last respects to the revered Ngoni monarch whose 44-year reign ended last week.

According to the Ngoni Royal Establishment, the late traditional leader’s remains will be flown from Lusaka and are expected to arrive in Chipata at approximately 12:00 hours. Upon arrival, the body will be transported to Ephendukeni Palace, where it will lie in state ahead of burial on Tuesday.

Speaking at Ephendukeni Palace, Gogo Madzimawe confirmed that the remains are currently under the custody of the Ngoni Royal Establishment through Chief Maguya and the royal indunas.

“It is going to be a one-hour flight into Chipata. From there, the body will be brought here at Ephendukeni Palace,” Madzimawe said.

He also urged the public to ignore false information circulating on social media regarding funeral arrangements and succession matters, describing such reports as malicious and misleading during a period of mourning.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV died in the early hours of Saturday at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. His death was announced by Senior Chief Nzamane, who described the passing as a profound loss to the Ngoni people and the nation at large.

Born David Njengembazo Jele, Mpezeni IV ascended to the throne in 1982 following the death of his father, Mpezeni III. Before becoming king, he lived in Efeni Village in Chipata and worked in Livingstone, unaware that he would one day inherit one of Zambia’s most influential traditional leadership positions.

His coronation, attended by Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda, marked the beginning of a reign that would span more than four decades.

Throughout his leadership, Mpezeni IV became a respected custodian of Ngoni culture and traditions. He is widely remembered for strengthening the Ncwala Traditional Ceremony, transforming it into one of Zambia’s most celebrated traditional events that attracts visitors from across the region and beyond.

His influence extended beyond Zambia’s borders. He maintained strong ties with traditional and political leaders across Southern Africa and was among distinguished African traditional leaders invited to witness the coronation of Misuzulu kaZwelithini in South Africa in 2022. He also hosted prominent figures, including Jacob Zuma, during various Ncwala ceremonies.

The late Paramount Chief leaves behind a wife, a child, grandchildren, and a lasting legacy of cultural preservation, unity, and traditional leadership.

As the Ngoni nation prepares to lay him to rest, tributes continue to pour in from across Zambia and the wider region, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he commanded throughout his lifetime.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti has described the demise of the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV as a great loss not only to the Ngoni people but the nation as a whole.

Dr Mutti says late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV dedicated his life to preserving the rich customs and identity of his people while promoting peace and unity across the country.

She said the late traditional leader focused on harmony and mutual respect regardless of tribe, region or political affiliation.

Dr Mutti said Paramount Chief Mpezeni leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations and remain deeply imprinted in the history of Zambia’s traditional leadership.

“I learnt of the passing of His Majesty Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people with profound sorrow and grief. Zambia has lost a revered traditional leader, a respected custodian of culture, heritage and a unifying figure whose leadership commanded admiration across the country,” she said.

Dr Mutti noted that Zambia has lost a revered traditional leader, who respected custodians of culture, heritage and a unifying figure whose leadership commanded admiration across the country.

She extended her condolences to the Ngoni Royal Establishment, bereaved family and the Ngoni people and nation at large during the difficult period of mourning.

This is according to a statement issued to the media today by National Assembly Deputy Clerk for Procedure, Stephen Kawimbe.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni died on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Lusaka.

North-Western Province Police Commissioner, Brighton Siwale has directed Police Officers across the province to act firmly and professionally against perpetrators of political violence and public disorder.

Speaking during a media engagement meeting on election preparedness organised by the North-West Press Club in Solwezi, Mr Siwale said the Police Service in North-Western Province will not condone any form of lawlessness before, during and after the elections.

He emphasized that political violence poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic governance, national unity, economic stability and international reputation.

Mr Siwale noted that violence erodes public confidence in institutions, weakens democratic legitimacy and creates fear and instability within communities, a situation that could also discourage potential investors.

He further disclosed that Police in the province has developed and operationalised an electoral security plan aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

Mr Siwale stated that the plan focuses on preventing electoral violence through proactive policing, intelligence gathering and timely interventions among other measures.

Meanwhile, Provincial Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of journalists.

Col. Katambi (Rtd) urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism, ethics and accuracy in their reporting before, during and after the elections, warning against the spread of misinformation.

And North-West Press Club president, Chaibu Nkhoma said such engagements are vital in strengthening collaboration between the Zambia Police Service and the media in the province.

He said enhanced cooperation between the two institutions will contribute to peaceful and credible elections.

Former Office of the President (OP) Chief of Intelligence Xavier Chungu has been charged with 11 offences, including multiple counts of communication of classified information and seditious practices, following his arrest in Lusaka.

Police say Chungu was arrested on May 28, 2026, and has since been formally charged for allegedly disclosing sensitive information obtained during his official duties while appearing on a named podcast.

According to police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, the alleged offences occurred on May 24, 2026, between 16:00 and 18:00 hours in New Kasama, Lusaka, where Chungu is said to have revealed confidential information relating to state security operations.

Chungu has been slapped with seven counts of communication of certain information, contrary to Section 4(1) of the State Security Act, Chapter 111 of the Laws of Zambia. The offence relates to the unlawful disclosure of classified information obtained through official capacity.

Police further allege that he committed three counts of seditious practices under Section 57 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87, by making statements considered to be of a seditious nature during the same podcast appearance.

In addition, Chungu faces one count of prohibition of publication or disclosure of information to an unauthorised person under Section 11(1) of the Zambia Security Intelligence Service Act, Chapter 109, for allegedly revealing protective measures relating to a vital national installation.

Authorities say the offences carry severe penalties, with some charges attracting a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of up to 25 years imprisonment if convicted.

Chungu remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court in the coming days as investigations continue.

People’s Empowerment Party (PeP) leader Sean Tembo has abandoned his bid to serve as a running mate in the 2026 General Election and has instead turned his attention to the Roma Constituency parliamentary seat.

Tembo’s move follows the failure of his party’s presidential candidate, Chanda Katotobwe, to successfully file nomination papers for the presidential race due to concerns surrounding the party’s status.

Speaking in an interview, Tembo said he decided to contest for Parliament because he still wanted an opportunity to serve the people of Zambia despite being unable to participate in the presidential contest.

“Many will question why parliamentary instead of presidential, but since we cannot be on the presidential ballot, I thought I should represent the people at parliamentary level because of the love I have for the people of Zambia,” Tembo said.

The PeP leader has since outlined a number of development plans for the newly created Roma Constituency, saying he intends to focus on addressing community needs on a ward-by-ward basis if elected.

Although the Registrar of Societies clarified that the People’s Empowerment Party remains a registered political party, Tembo has opted to seek election as an independent candidate.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is yet to officially confirm whether Tembo’s nomination for the Roma parliamentary seat has been successfully accepted.

Tembo’s decision marks a significant shift in his political strategy as the country prepares for the August 13, 2026 General Election.

The Constitutional Court has set June 19, 2026, as the date to hear a petition challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s eligibility to contest in the 2026 General Election.

The petition was filed by UPND founding member Charles Longwe, who argues that the ruling party did not hold a valid national convention before President Hichilema’s nomination as the party’s presidential candidate.

The hearing date was agreed upon during a scheduling conference held in chambers, attended by legal representatives for both parties.

Speaking to journalists in Lusaka after the conference, State Counsel Mulambo Haimbe, who is representing President Hichilema, confirmed that the Constitutional Court had scheduled the matter for hearing on June 19.

Another member of the President’s legal team, Michael Moono, said the court is expected to provide guidance on the judgment date after the hearing.

Meanwhile, Charles Longwe’s lawyer, Benjamin Mwelwa, also confirmed the hearing date, stating that the scheduling conference was conducted before Constitutional Court Judge Martin Musaluke.

The petition seeks to challenge the validity of President Hichilema’s candidature ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election, with the court expected to determine whether the nomination process complied with the requirements of the UPND constitution and relevant electoral laws.