Claims circulating on social media that Patrick Mwansa died while in police custody are false. Official information from the Zambia Police Service confirms that he is alive, in good health, and receiving visits from family members.
Claim
A post published on 21 August 2026 on the Lily Mutamz TV Facebook page, and widely shared on social media, claimed that Patrick Mwansa, an alleged member of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) who had been arrested by the Zambia Police Service, had died in police custody after allegedly being beaten and denied food, water and medical care.
The post further alleged that Mr. Mwansa’s purported death was linked to his alleged association with NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile during the August 2026 General Election. It also claimed, without evidence, that President Hakainde Hichilema had ordered the murder of Brian Mundubile.
Source of the claim: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FCfiDr5Yz/
Verdict: False
Rating Justification
iVerify Zambia investigated the claims and found them to be false.
As part of the verification process, iVerify Zambia reviewed an official press statement issued by the Zambia Police Service through Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha on 21 August 2026. In the statement, the Zambia Police Service categorically dismissed the claim that Patrick Mwansa had died in custody. The Police confirmed that Mr. Mwansa is alive and in good health, adding that members of his family had been granted access to visit him in accordance with established procedures. The Police Service also condemned the circulation of the false reports, warning that the spread of unverified information can cause unnecessary panic, anxiety and distress to the affected family and the public.
iVerify Zambia further reviewed available official information and found no credible evidence to support the separate allegation that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered the murder of Brian Mundubile. No official investigation, court record, law enforcement agency or credible media organisation has produced evidence to substantiate this allegation.
Conclusion
The claim that Patrick Mwansa died in police custody after allegedly being tortured and denied food, water and medical attention is false. The Zambia Police Service has officially confirmed that he is alive, in good health, and that his family has been granted access to visit him. Additionally, iVerify Zambia found no credible evidence supporting the allegation that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered the murder of Brian Mundubile. Making and sharing serious allegations without evidence can mislead the public, cause unnecessary fear and distress, and undermine confidence in credible sources of information. Members of the public are encouraged to verify such claims through official and authoritative sources before sharing them.
Evidence
- Official press statement issued by the Zambia Police Service, through Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha, dated 21 August 2026, confirming that Patrick Mwansa is alive and in good health.
Help Stop the Spread of Misinformation
Before sharing election-related or public affairs information, verify that it comes from credible and official sources. If you encounter suspicious claims, images or videos, submit them to iVerify Zambia for verification.
Email: factcheck@panos.org.zm
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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.
