Kalenga and Uncle Elson Reportedly Face Possible 25-Year Jail Term Over Xavier Chungu Interview

Two of Zambia’s familiar podcast voices, Kalenga Chambatu, popularly known as K Plus, and Elson Chigerwe, better known as Uncle Elson, have found themselves at the centre of a serious legal storm.

The hosts of That ZED Podcast are reportedly in police detention following an interview they allegedly conducted with Xavier Franklin Chungu, the President of the Liberal Democrats Party — LDP.

According to reports circulating online, the interview was not just another political conversation. Police are said to be treating the matter as serious because the discussion allegedly contained information considered to be official secrets.

Now, what may have started as a podcast episode has quickly turned into a national talking point, with many Zambians asking one question: what exactly was said in that interview?

Mr Chungu is also reportedly being held at Kabwata Police Station and is said to have been charged with revealing official secrets, contrary to Section 4 of the State Security Act.

Under Zambian law, offences involving the unlawful disclosure of official or classified information can attract very heavy punishment. If convicted, those found guilty may face a prison sentence of not less than 15 years, and in some cases, up to 25 years.

The case has sparked debate across social media, especially among content creators, journalists, political followers, and podcast fans. Some are concerned about national security, while others are asking whether podcasters and online media personalities are now walking a very thin line when interviewing political figures.

For now, authorities have not yet released a detailed public statement explaining the exact information at the centre of the allegations or when the suspects are expected to appear in court.

As the story continues to unfold, many will be watching closely to see whether this becomes a major legal battle, a warning to content creators, or one of the most talked-about podcast controversies in Zambia this year.

Source: The Zambian Post