Social media abuse has limits

IN RECENT days, Zambians have witnessed yet another troubling incident of misinformation spread through social media. A fake resignation letter, falsely attributed to President Hakainde Hichilema, circulated widely online, causing confusion and unnecessary panic.
This incident is a sign of the growing danger posed by reckless use of social media. While these platforms have given citizens a voice and opened up new spaces for dialogue, they have also become breeding grounds for lies and abuse.
As UPND media director Mark Simuuwe rightly pointed out, there is a thin line between free expression and criminality. Once that line is crossed, the law must take its course. The culprits must be brought to book and face the consequences of their actions.
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy.
It allows citizens to question leaders, share ideas and hold government accountable. But freedom does not mean licence to spread falsehoods that threaten national stability.
A fake resignation letter is not harmless gossip – it is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine confidence in the Government.
Fabricating official documents and misusing state insignia is not exercising free speech. It is engaging in criminality under our cyber-security and cybercrimes laws. Such acts must be punished, not only to protect the integrity of government communication but also to safeguard the peace and unity of the nation.
Social media thrives on speed. A post can reach thousands within minutes.
Citizens must therefore learn to pause, verify and reflect before sharing information. Mr Simuuwe’s call for the public to rely on official communication channels is wise advice.
This incident also raises a broader concern about the toxic nature of our political discourse. Our political playing field is increasingly becoming a battlefield
where opponents are enemies rather than fellow citizens with different views. Social media has
amplified this hostility, turning disagreements into insults and debates into smear campaigns.
Politics should be about serving people, uniting them and not to divide them. Leaders and citizens alike must embrace sobriety in political engagement. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never be allowed to fracture the nation. Zambia’s strength lies in unity. And unity requires respect, tolerance and truth.
The fake resignation letter is a wake-up call.
It shows how easily misinformation can destabilise a country if left unchecked. It also shows the urgent need for sobriety in our politics.
We call on law enforcement agencies to pursue this matter with seriousness and ensure that those responsible are brought to book. Justice must be seen to be done, not only to punish offenders but also to deter future acts of cyber manipulation.
Criminality masquerading as political activism must be stopped in its tracks. It must not be allowed to take hold.
We also call on political leaders, across all parties, to set an example of responsible communication.
Let them debate policies, not thrive on misinformation, let alone disinformation. Let them inspire hope, not spread fear.
Mr Simuuwe is right: there is a limit to social media abuse. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to lie, defame, or destabilise. Those who cross the line into criminality must face the law. At the same time, we must all commit to sobriety in our politics. Zambia cannot afford to be torn apart by reckless words and divisive actions.