Moses Kunkuyu Detained as Police Crack Down on Former Ministers

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By Suleman Chitera

Former Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu has become the latest ex–cabinet member to be detained by police, deepening a widening law-enforcement dragnet that has increasingly ensnared senior figures from the previous administration.

Police sources confirm that Kunkuyu surrendered himself to authorities earlier today after learning that he was under active investigation. His detention follows remarks he allegedly made during the funeral of the late Deputy Speaker of Parliament Madalitso Kazombo, remarks investigators believe amounted to incitement to violence.

According to preliminary briefings, Kunkuyu used the funeral platform to denounce the arrests of other former ministers, statements police say may have inflamed tensions and encouraged resistance to lawful processes. Authorities argue that funerals and other public gatherings must not be exploited to provoke disorder or undermine the rule of law.

Kunkuyu’s detention comes amid an intensifying campaign by police to pursue alleged criminal conduct involving former cabinet members. In recent months, several high-profile arrests have sent shockwaves through the political establishment, including Vitumbiko Mumba, Jessie Kabwila, Ezekiel Ching’oma, and Richard Chimwendo Banda, each linked to separate cases.

While police maintain that the arrests are grounded in evidence and due process, critics argue the pattern signals a politicised crackdown targeting figures associated with the previous government. Law-enforcement officials dismiss those claims, insisting that no one is above the law and that investigations will proceed “without fear or favour.”

As of publication, police had not disclosed whether Kunkuyu will be formally charged or released on bail. His legal team is expected to challenge the basis of the detention, setting the stage for another high-stakes legal battle with significant political implications.

More details are expected as investigations continue.

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