POLICE in Lusaka have arrested Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) president Sean Tembo 43 of Ngwerere area in connection with the offence of Hate speech.

And police have also arrested for former Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale in connection with the offence of Seditious Practices.

Facts of the matter are that on October 17, 2023 at 20:31 hours, Mr Tembo allegedly posted a hate speech message on Facebook page under the name of Sean E. Tembo.

Police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale said Mr Tembo was served with a call out to report himself to Police Headquarters on October 23, 2023 but he did not show up.

He said police further made efforts to contact his lawyer but the calls went unanswered despite making commitments that they would avail their client to Police.

Mr Mwale said officers today, around 09:00 hours went to his house where he was requested to come out but instead he opted to lock himself inside the house forcing the officers to have no option but to gain entrance into his house.

“Police managed to pick the suspect and is currently detained in custody yet to be formally charged,” he said.

Meanwhile, Police in Lusaka have arrested Mr Mwale aged 53 of Chinfunshi area in Chililabombwe in connection with the offence of Seditious Practices contrary to section 57 as read with section 60 of the Penal Code.

Mr Mwale said between October 12, 2023 and October 17, 2023, the former Defence PS allegedly posted an audio on various social media platforms where he was heard instructing millers in the country to stop the production of mealie meal for 30 days and other sentiments meant to entice the millers to revolt against the government.

“The suspect is detained in custody waiting to be formally charged,” he said.