By 
A tense scene erupted outside the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court as Facebook blogger, Elias Musyani, was unexpectedly arrested again, just moments after being found with a case to answer in a cyberbullying suit involving Kidist Kifle, the wife of Zambian music star Yo Maps.
Musyani, who has been facing charges under Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021, was accused of making rape and abduction threats against Kidist and their daughter on social media.
Despite pleading not guilty, the court ruled that there was enough evidence to put him on defense.
During the court proceedings, Musyani’s defense lawyer, Douglas Njolomba, announced that his client would invoke his right to remain silent and would not call any witnesses.
The case was adjourned to April 14, 2025, for judgment.
But before he could even take a breath of fresh air, police officers swooped in and handcuffed him outside Courtroom 6, sparking a chaotic confrontation.
As officers dragged him towards a waiting police vehicle, a defiant Musyani shouted for justice, pleading directly to President Hakainde Hichilema:
“I am innocent! I am being harassed! Mr. President, look at what’s happening! I am a youth, not a criminal. No search warrants, why am I being treated like this?”
His relatives, including his mother, followed behind, furious and emotional, accusing Yo Maps of orchestrating the arrest.
However, inside sources claim this latest arrest has nothing to do with the Yo Maps-Kidist case. Instead, Musyani is reportedly under investigation for a completely different cyber security offense.
By the time of reporting, Musyani had been detained at Police Headquarters, while his lawyer remained unaware of the arrest as he was still in court handling another case.
Efforts to get a statement from Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, police in Lusaka have confirmed apprehending Musyani in connection with a social media post made on February 7, 2024, on the Facebook page High Profile Official, titled “She says she will never leave my husband alone.”
The arrest followed a complaint filed by Lucy Shawa on February 9, 2024, alleging harassment through the said post, according to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga.
Hamoonga in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, said after conducting intensive investigations, the police had established that Musyani, along with another suspect Steven Nyirenda, were behind the publication of the post.
“We wish to sternly warn all individuals who engage in online harassment and cyber bullying that the Zambia Police Service will not relent in bringing offenders to justice,” he said
Hamoonga stated that the abuse of social media to intimidate, harass, or defame others was a criminal offense, and those found culpable will be held accountable before the courts of law.
“Investigations into this matter are ongoing, and we urge members of the public to use social media responsibly and report any cases of cyber harassment to the police. The suspects have detained in police custody,” he said.
Musyani was dragged towards a waiting police vehicle by Police Officers earlier in the morning after appearing in one of cases at the Lusaka Magistrates Court involving Artiste Yo Maps’ wife Kidist.
A defiant Musyani shouted for justice, pleading directly to President Hakainde Hichilema:
“I am innocent! I am being harassed! Mr. President, look at what’s happening! I am a youth, not a criminal. No search warrants, why am I being treated like this?”
His relatives, including his mother, followed behind, furious and emotional, accusing Yo Maps of orchestrating the arrest.
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