President of the Cleaning Association of Zambia, Lawrence Makumbi, has been arrested for allegedly publishing defamatory content on social media targeting senior public figures. The posts in question were directed at Deputy Inspector General of Police for Special Duties at State House, Fanwell Siandenge, and Zambia Airports Corporation Board Chairperson, Zenyanji Sinkala.
Mr. Makumbi, aged 48 and a resident of the Mbonge Stadium area in Solwezi District, was arrested following two libel complaints lodged at Kabwata Police Station on April 17, 2025. Police public relations officer Rae Hamoonga confirmed the arrest in a statement issued yesterday, identifying the complainants as Mr. Siandenge, of Gore Close off Brentwood Road in Lusaka, and Mr. Sinkala, of Nwezi Road, also in Lusaka.
According to Mr. Hamoonga, the defamatory material was allegedly published on Facebook between January and April 2025. “Following investigations, the suspect, Mr. Lawrence Makumbi, was apprehended and has since been formally charged with two counts of libel,” he said.
Mr. Makumbi is currently in police custody awaiting the fulfillment of police bond conditions. Court proceedings are expected to begin soon.