A viral Facebook post falsely claimed that a sniper was arrested during Brian Mundubile’s campaign rally in Chisamba after allegedly attempting to assassinate the NRPUP leader. iVerify Zambia verified the claim with the Zambia Police, who confirmed that no such incident occurred. Further digital analysis found strong indicators that the story was generated using artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing use of AI-generated content to spread false and sensational political narratives during the election period.
Claim:
On 21st July 2026, a Facebook user identified as Given Mutinta published a post claiming that a sniper had been arrested during a campaign rally addressed by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) leader Brian Mundubile in Chisamba on 19th July 2026. The post alleged that the suspect, described as a hired assassin armed with a weapon, was apprehended by Mr. Mundubile’s security personnel before being handed over to Chisamba Police. It further claimed that the suspect confessed he had delayed carrying out the assassination because he was dissatisfied with the payment he had received, and alleged that the Zambia Police had remained silent on the incident and subsequent investigations.
Note: To avoid amplifying false or misleading information, iVerify Zambia has deliberately omitted the direct link to the social media post containing the false claim. References to the original content have been retained only for verification and transparency purposes. Members of the public who require additional information or clarification may contact iVerify Zambia through the details provided below.
Verdict: False
Rating Justification
iVerify Zambia verified the claim with Central Province Police Commanding Officer, Commissioner Lemekani Chirwa, who categorically dismissed it as false. Commissioner Chirwa confirmed that no sniper or armed suspect was arrested, no assassination attempt was reported, and no such incident occurred during Mr. Brian Mundubile’s campaign rally in Chisamba. He further stated that the rally proceeded peacefully without any security incident matching the claims circulating on social media.
Beyond official verification, iVerify Zambia conducted a digital forensic assessment of the text using AI-assisted content analysis tools to evaluate its authenticity. The assessment identified several indicators consistent with AI-generated fictional content rather than a genuine news report.
Among the indicators were:
- Sensational and cinematic language uncommon in factual reporting, including phrases such as “sent shockwaves through the nation,” “heart of a sinister plot,” “sea of vibrant faces,” “soft glow of the late evening light,” “chillingly premeditated,” “atmosphere thick with questions,” and “eerie silence.”
- A formulaic AI-generated conclusion, ending with language such as “underscores the precarious balance between… leaving many to wonder what lies beneath the surface of this explosive confrontation,” which mirrors the narrative style frequently produced by generative AI models.
- Logical inconsistencies, particularly the description of a supposed sniper standing within a densely packed crowd “behind a woman with dreadlocks and flanked by two youths.” In reality, a sniper operates from a concealed and strategically elevated or distant position, making such a scenario implausible.
- Fictional storytelling elements, including an immediate on-the-spot confession by the alleged assassin claiming he postponed the shooting because he was unhappy with his payment. Such dramatic dialogue resembles fictional narratives rather than documented criminal investigations.
No credible media organisation, law enforcement agency, or official institution reported any assassination attempt or arrest linked to the Chisamba rally.
Conclusion
The claim that a sniper was arrested after attempting to assassinate Brian Mundubile during his campaign rally in Chisamba is false. Verification with the Zambia Police established that no such incident occurred, while digital analysis found strong indicators that the story was artificially generated using a generative AI model to produce a fictional political narrative.
The deliberate creation and circulation of fabricated stories alleging political violence during an election period has the potential to heighten public anxiety, inflame political tensions, and undermine confidence in the electoral process. False claims of assassination plots are particularly harmful because they can rapidly spread fear, provoke unnecessary speculation, and influence public perceptions of the security environment surrounding political campaigns.
Members of the public are therefore encouraged to verify sensational political claims through credible and authoritative sources before sharing them, especially during elections when misinformation and AI-generated content can significantly distort public discourse.
Help Stop the Spread of Misinformation
Have you seen a suspicious claim, image, video, or social media post? Don’t share it before verifying it. Submit questionable content to iVerify Zambia for independent fact-checking and verification:
📧 Email: factcheck@panos.org.zm
📱 WhatsApp: +260762974750
Together, we can reduce the spread of misinformation and disinformation, promote access to accurate and verified information, and help protect the integrity of public discourse and democratic processes during the electoral period.
