Three Govt officials arrested and detained for attempting to interfere with elections

Zambian authorities have intensified security measures on the eve of the national polls following the high-profile detention of three former senior government officials. The suspects are accused of orchestrating an elaborate plot to compromise and disrupt the nation's electoral system. The intelligence-led operation, executed by a joint team of defense and security agencies, highlights heightened vigilance by state institutions as millions of Zambians prepare to cast their ballots for the presidency, parliament, and local government seats. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the arrested trio allegedly provided specialized technical services aimed at undermining the integrity of the voting infrastructure. Alongside the former officials, law enforcement agencies took into custody a 56-year-old foreign national suspected of involvement in illicit cyber operations targeting state critical infrastructure. Investigators also flagged electronic devices recovered during the raids, which reportedly contained sensitive military intelligence information, raising serious concerns regarding unauthorized access to protected state archives. The security sweep further widened to include the summoning of three prominent political figures—Japhen Mwakalombe, Mwila Kakana, and Sensio Banda—after they were found in possession of over 7.3 million Kwacha in cash. Broadsheet analysts note that while authorities have questioned the source and intended purpose of the substantial funds, defense counsels for the individuals indicated their clients would cooperate with inquiries only after the conclusion of voting day. Meanwhile, related detentions involving former Ambassador Martha Lungu and journalist Hannah Katontoka sparked social media concern over alleged abductions, though the ministry quickly clarified that both had been released after aiding investigators. These developments occur against a tense political backdrop as Pre