Chingola Man Jailed Three Years Over Viral Threat Video

By Ndumba Bismark & Beverly Busange | Chingola

A Chingola Magistrate Court has sentenced 41-year-old Matthews Mutambo of Chiwempala Township, popularly known as “Macheni Macheni”, to three years’ imprisonment.

According to court proceedings, on March 12 2025, Mutambo recorded a video while drinking beer at the infamous Two Kallies Bar in Chabanyama in Chingola. The video, now widely circulated on Facebook and TikTok and partially shown in this broadcast, was recorded by a bar owner, Bibian Mwansa.

In the footage, Mutambo claimed to lead a group he referred to as the “M23 rebel group” and “Boko Haram,” and allegedly threatened to exchange fire with Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers and police officers manning Sensele Mine.

Delivering judgment on February 4, Magistrate Shadreck Chanda said the court had analysed the video and found its contents capable of instilling fear among residents of Chiwempala and surrounding areas. The court further observed that the video contributed to unrest and rioting among youths, particularly in the Chiwempala and Chabanyama communities.

The court stated that the offence is punishable under Zambian law.

During mitigation, Mutambo told the court that he is on antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), has six children, runs a business with no one to manage it in his absence, and is constructing a house currently at window level.

However, in sentencing, Magistrate Chanda ruled that Mutambo’s actions were not committed under the influence of alcohol but were premeditated. He was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment effective from the date of his arrest.

The video, once treated by some as bravado, ultimately became central evidence in court, raising broader questions about online incitement, youth mobilisation, and the intersection between digital platforms and urban insecurity on the Copperbelt.