On 28 May 2026, Zambia Police in separate circumstances detained and questioned the hosts and guest of the popular podcast known as “ThatZedpodcast”. Podcast hosts Kalenga Chambatu (K Plus) and Elson Chigerwe were detained in connection with a recorded interview scheduled to air online featuring former Zambia Security Intelligence Service (ZSIS) Director-General Xavier Chungu, who is also an aspiring candidate in the 2026 General Elections. The hosts were later released after investigative procedures were completed. Separately, Xavier Chungu was also detained, questioned, and cautioned with the offense of communication of certain information contrary to Section 4 (1) of the Security Act, Chapter 111 of the Laws of Zambia, by police regarding statements allegedly made during the interview. The interview, which had been recorded for ThatZed Podcast, was never aired due to unexplained pre-emptive circumstances and actions.
The incident attracted significant public attention as it involved a prominent former intelligence chief turned opposition political figure seeking elected office and the use of digital platforms, raising concerns regarding freedom of expression in cyberspace, online civic space, and the treatment of digital content creators during the pre-election period.