A viral Facebook post falsely claimed that Patrick Mwansa, husband of Tasila Lungu, had been killed by “state commandos.” However, official information confirms that he was apprehended during a joint security operation and remained in police custody, with no evidence supporting claims that he was killed
Claim
A Facebook post published by the page Ccaiz JJ Banda on 15 August 2026 claimed that Patrick Mwansa, the husband of the late President Edgar Lungu’s daughter, Tasila Lungu, and a member of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP), had been shot and killed by “state commandos.” The post further alleged that Mr. Mwansa was targeted because he was suspected of being among individuals who had travelled to Russia for military training.
Note: In line with iVerify Zambia’s editorial policy, we have not included a link to the original post in order to avoid amplifying misinformation.
Verdict: Unproven
Rating Justification
The claim that Patrick Mwansa was shot and killed by “state commandos” is false. While iVerify could not obtain any independent evidence on the claim, a press statement issued on 16 August 2026 by the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick K. Kangwa, indicated that Mr. Mwansa was among 11 individuals apprehended during a joint security operation led by the Zambia Police in Kabulonga, Lusaka. The statement explained that the operation targeted suspected militia members and other persons of interest. During the operation, law enforcement officers reportedly recovered high-grade military weapons, ammunition and other materials alleged to have been intended for armed insurrection.
The Secretary to the Cabinet further stated that occupants of the premises opened fire on law enforcement officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. However, the statement did not report any deaths, including that of Patrick Mwansa. Instead, it specifically identified him as one of the individuals apprehended and confirmed that he was in lawful police custody in Lusaka. The statement also indicated that the suspects had been charged and that their families and legal representatives would be granted access to them. The available official information therefore directly contradicts the social media claim that Mr. Mwansa had been killed. No form of evidence is also attached to the social media reports.
Conclusion
The claim that Patrick Mwansa was shot and killed by “state commandos” is false. Official information from the Secretary to the Cabinet confirms that he was apprehended during a joint law enforcement operation in Kabulonga and was in lawful police custody. Although authorities confirmed that there was an exchange of gunfire during the operation, there is no official evidence that Mr. Mwansa was killed. The viral social media post therefore circulated false and unverified information.
The spread of false claims involving deaths, security operations, and politically exposed individuals can have serious consequences. Such misinformation can inflame political tensions, fuel fear and speculation, undermine confidence in public institutions, and cause unnecessary distress to families, supporters and the wider public. During politically sensitive periods, the rapid circulation of unverified claims also increases the risk of public disorder and makes it more difficult for citizens to distinguish fact from misinformation. Members of the public are encouraged to verify such claims through credible and official sources before sharing them.
Evidence
Statement by the Secretary to the Cabinet (16 August 2026):
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