By Zambian Economist Analyst
Government says political violence circulating on social media in the run-up to the 13 August election is being deliberately staged by cadres to provoke police into using teargas, and has accused Hot FM’s breakfast show of operating as a de facto public relations outlet for the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP).
The claims came from Permanent Secretary for Information and Media Thabo Kawana, speaking alongside his Home Affairs and Internal Security counterpart, Dickson Matembo, at a joint press briefing at the Ministry of Information and Media on 6 August 2026.
Government alleges violence is being staged in three provinces
Kawana told journalists that recent scenes of political violence circulating on various media platforms are “orchestrated, planned, practiced, rehearsed, and systematically implemented by irresponsible cadres,” and alleged that some actors are attacking their own side to pin blame on the ruling party.
He said intelligence reports point to Western, North-Western and Southern Provinces as targets for further “stage-managed disruptions,” and urged young people not to be used as tools of violence. Kawana said the government’s position aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s stated opposition to violence, and warned that anyone found taking part, paid or otherwise, will face the law.
These are allegations from a single government source. The Zambian Economist has not independently verified the intelligence reports Kawana referenced, and no evidence was presented at the briefing beyond his statement.
NRC mobile registration officers to be paid for phase two
On a separate administrative matter, Kawana confirmed that government has begun disbursing payments to officers who worked on the second phase of the mobile National Registration Card (NRC) issuance exercise, and said outstanding amounts for that phase are being processed.
Government accuses Hot FM of running undisclosed political adverts for NRPUP
Kawana singled out Hot FM Radio, saying its breakfast show has turned into what he called a de-campaigning platform against President Hichilema, and alleged the station is “practically operating as a public relations unit” for Brian Mundubile’s NRPUP.
Kawana challenged NRPUP to produce proof of payment for political adverts and airtime he said are being run “under the guise of independent broadcasting,” and said government supports media freedom but expects professionalism and transparency from broadcasters.
These are allegations, not established fact. The Zambian Economist has not seen documentation of any advert payments, paid or unpaid, and could not immediately reach Hot FM or NRPUP for comment. This article will be updated if a response is received.
What this means for business and investors
Public disputes between government and named media houses during an election period tend to feed into the kind of political-risk assessments investors and ratings agencies watch closely, alongside actual security incidents. Businesses with operations or advertising spend tied to broadcast media should note that regulatory scrutiny of specific stations can move quickly once a government official names them publicly.
For businesses with operations in Western, North-Western and Southern Provinces, the government’s specific naming of these areas as targets for alleged disruption is worth factoring into short-term logistics and staff safety planning through the 13 August vote.
Related coverage
- IG Musamba Orders Arrest of Political Violence Suspects, Reviews Mongu Police Operation
- Hichilema vs Mundubile: Zambia’s Two-Horse Race, Seven Days Out
- Ballot Papers Arrive in Livingstone Ahead of August Polls
- Government alleges political violence circulating on social media is being staged by cadres, with Western, North-Western and Southern Provinces flagged as targets.
- Payments to phase-two mobile NRC registration officers have started, with outstanding amounts being processed.
- Government has accused Hot FM of running undisclosed NRPUP political adverts and challenged the party to produce proof of payment; Hot FM and NRPUP have not yet responded.
- The election is scheduled for 13 August 2026.
Key takeaways
Related: Mundubile Says National Reconciliation Will Be NRPUP’s First 100-Day Priority
