Zambia detains TikTok creator over assassination threats

Zambian authorities have apprehended Misheck Mulubwa, a 44-year-old TikTok content creator known online as ‘Africa’ or ‘BROTHERMAN’, following allegations of hate speech and assassination threats against high-ranking officials.

Mulubwa is accused of using his platform to post insulting language, tribal remarks, and incitement to violence. Specifically, authorities state he made direct threats to assassinate President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia Army Commander Lt. General Godfrey Zyeele, and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

The arrest was the result of a joint investigation involving the Zambia Police Service, the Zambia Cyber Security Agency, and the Department of Immigration. Officials report that Mulubwa had been hiding in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was lured out of hiding at the Kasumbalesa Border Post after authorities posed as sponsors offering to support his activities by providing mobile phones.

Mulubwa is currently in lawful custody pending further investigations. A mobile phone suspected of being used to access the TikTok account has been seized.