Chipata, Eastern Province – Two women from Luangeni Constituency in Chipata City have been sentenced to prison for producing and posting offensive TikTok videos that targeted President Hakainde Hichilema, accusing him of killing former President Edgar Lungu.
Catherine Mphanza and Mary Lungu were charged under Sections 22(1)(a) and 3 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 for Prohibition of Harassment or Humiliation. Mphanza faced two counts, while Lungu faced one. The pair appeared before Chipata Magistrate Destiny Kalusopa, where they pleaded guilty to the charges.
In their mitigation, the women expressed remorse for their actions, claiming they were intoxicated and unaware of their behavior at the time of recording and sharing the videos.
Magistrate Kalusopa noted that although the law provides for a fine of K80,000 as an alternative to imprisonment, the court opted for custodial sentences due to the seriousness of the offences. He pointed out that Mphanza had posted two videos insulting the Head of State, while Lungu’s single video contained particularly aggravating insults.
Emphasizing the need to uphold the dignity and integrity of the presidency and deter future offenders, the magistrate sentenced Mphanza to 18 months simple imprisonment for each count, to run consecutively. Lungu received a 24-month simple imprisonment term.
The sentences take effect from June 24, 2025, the date of their arrest. The videos, which were recorded and shared on June 20, 2025, featured offensive remarks directed at the President. In one of the clips, Mphanza was seen using vulgar language and stating she would not vote for President Hichilema in the 2026 elections. Another video allegedly showed Lungu mocking the President’s appearance and accusing him of murdering former President Edgar Lungu.