A viral video of a man removing campaign posters has been falsely identified as showing a Zambia Police officer. The Zambia Police Service has clarified that the individual is not one of its officers, and investigations are underway to establish his identity.
Claim
On 19 July 2026, the Facebook page Zambia for All shared a video showing a man wearing what appeared to be a Zambia Police uniform removing campaign posters.
The post claimed:
“Zambia Police officer is tired of HH ABUSING POLICE, He is here removing all HH posters. These are Police officers who will be rewarded for being freedom fighters.”
The post implies that the individual in the video is a serving Zambia Police officer.
Note: To avoid amplifying misinformation, iVerify Zambia has deliberately removed the direct link to the original Facebook post containing the false claim. The claim was nevertheless reviewed and verified as part of our fact-checking process.
Verdict: FALSE
Rating Justification
iVerify Zambia reviewed the claim and found it to be false. The video itself is authentic and does show an individual removing campaign posters. However, there is no evidence that the individual is a serving member of the Zambia Police Service.
In a press statement issued on 19 July 2026, the Zambia Police Service said it had reviewed the viral video and that preliminary investigations indicate the individual depicted is not a member of the Zambia Police Service. The Service added that investigations are continuing to establish the person’s identity and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
To independently verify the claim, iVerify Zambia also contacted Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Chilabi, Public Relations Officer for the Zambia Police Service, who confirmed that the individual shown in the video is not a Zambia Police officer.
Although the video is genuine, the accompanying claim incorrectly identifies the individual as a police officer serving in the Zambia Police Service, without any supporting evidence.
Fact-Checking Methodology
To verify this claim, iVerify Zambia:
- Reviewed the viral Facebook video and its accompanying claim using various video verification tools.
- Examined the official statement issued by the Zambia Police Service on 19 July 2026.
- Contacted the Zambia Police Service Public Relations Office for clarification.
- Compared the official response with the content circulating on social media before reaching a verdict.
Why This Fact-Check Matters During an Election
Misidentifying individuals in election-related content can fuel misinformation, undermine public confidence in state institutions, and inflame political tensions. During an election period, false claims involving security agencies can distort public perceptions and contribute to distrust or conflict. Verifying such claims helps ensure voters receive accurate and reliable information.
Conclusion
The claim that the man seen removing campaign posters is a Zambia Police officer is false. While the video is authentic, the Zambia Police Service has officially stated that the individual is not one of its officers, and investigations are ongoing to establish his identity.
Help Stop Misinformation
Before sharing election-related content, verify it with credible sources. To report suspicious claims or request a fact-check, contact iVerify Zambia via WhatsApp: +260 762 974 750 or Email: factcheck@panos.org.zm.
