A Zambian policewoman has landed in serious trouble after being accused of sending private and intimate photos to a WhatsApp group. The group, called Paramilitary Jubilee Intake 51/52, is believed to include members of the police paramilitary unit.
The officer has been identified as Nyarai Kambelembele, and she was taken to court to face charges connected to the incident. Her case was heard before Lusaka Resident Magistrate Peter Mungala.
Nyarai is facing two criminal charges under the Cybercrimes Act 2 of 2021. This law was created to deal with crimes committed using digital platforms such as social media and messaging apps.
The first charge says that she was in possession of obscene photos and videos. According to the law, this means she had content that could negatively affect or corrupt public morals.
The second charge claims that she circulated or shared those same obscene materials in the paramilitary WhatsApp group. The prosecution believes she knowingly spread the images to others during the period in question.
Reports say the incident has caused shock and embarrassment within police ranks. Sharing private photos in an official group is seen as misconduct and has damaged her professional image.
During the court session, Nyarai appeared without any legal representation. This meant she had to face the charges and the magistrate’s questions on her own.
Legal experts say facing court without a lawyer can make it harder to defend oneself. A lawyer could have argued her side of the story or asked for more time to prepare a proper defense.
The charges she faces are serious because they involve cybercrimes. In Zambia, cybercrime offenses often carry heavy penalties, including possible prison time if someone is found guilty.
Observers say this case is an important reminder of the dangers of sharing private materials online. Once something is posted or sent digitally, it can easily spread and lead to legal or personal consequences.
The case has also sparked wider discussion about responsible use of social media among public servants. Many believe police officers, in particular, must set an example because of the sensitive nature of their job.
For now, the case against Nyarai has been adjourned, and the court will set another date for her to reappear. Until then, she remains under investigation and continues to face public scrutiny.
The outcome of the trial will decide whether she is guilty of the charges or not. If found guilty, she could face both legal punishment and disciplinary action from the police service.
Source: Ghpage.com
