State drops libel case against journalist
By Mast Reporter
THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has withdrawn the criminal libel charge against investigative journalist Thomas Zgambo.
Zgambo was arrested and detained last year for 16 days on allegations of defaming acting auditor general Ron Mwambwa and President Hakainde Hichilema’s Special Assistant for Projects, Implementation and Monitoring, Dr Lawrence Mwananyanda.
According to the details, the offence was allegedly committed in 2022.
Zgambo confirmed the withdrawal, saying the case was withdrawn in May but only received the letter of confirmation last week.
“They withdrew that matter in May, but I was only given the letter last week on August 7. All along, I have been appearing before the Court over the same matter I was arrested for,” he said.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed relief over the development, urging the government to withdraw many other cases against the Zambian Whistleblower consultant.
The case dates back to October 2024, when Zgambo was detained for 16 days in connection with his 2022 reporting on alleged irregularities in the government’s purchase of fertilizer.
“Unfortunately, Zgambo still faces two other sedition cases in connection with his reporting of alleged government corruption and misconduct. We demand that those cases be withdrawn, too. The Zambian authority should withdraw those cases,” said CPJ.
CPJ urged the government to immediately drop other pending criminal charges and to ensure that Zgambo could work without fear of arrest.
“Authorities should also reform laws that can be used to criminalize the work of the media.”
