Claim
On 3rd February, 2022, a Facebook Page going by the name “Action 26-PF” published a story claiming the acting president of the Patriotic Front and former Kabwata Member of Parliament, Mr. Given Lubinda, was placed under house arrest. The article said Mr. Lubinda’s residence was surrounded by state security from 06:00 to 18:00 in an alleged attempt to prevent the former Kabwata law maker from casting his vote. The article alleged that Mr. Lubinda was told that he would only be released once the casting of votes in the Kabwata by-elections was done at 18:00 hours.
Rating Justification
The fact checking process has determined as false the claims by Action 26-PF Facebook page that acting PF president, Mr. Given Lubinda was placed under house arrest, with state security surrounding his residence in Chalala area in an attempt to bar him from casting his vote in the Kabwata Constituency by-elections on 3rd February 2022. In a statement obtained by iVerify, Zambia Police Service Spokesperson, Mr. Rae Hamoonga dispelled as falsehood, speculations being peddled on social media that the police put the PF acting president Given Lubinda under house arrest. Mr. Hamoonga reiterated the Zambia Police’s commitment to maintaining law and order, adding that no amount of falsehood would sway them from carrying out their mandate. The fact checking process could not immediately obtain a comment from Mr Lubinda or the PF party.
