Police confirm arresting Newton at Airport, but says Dr. Kasonso’s ashes had been handed to family THE Zambia Police Service says Newton Kasonso was arrested and charged with three offences after he had already handed over the ashes of his late brother, Dr. Jones Kasonso, to the family. Police have clarified that the 49-year-old’s arrest […]

Police confirm arresting Newton at Airport, but says Dr. Kasonso’s ashes had been handed to family

THE Zambia Police Service says Newton Kasonso was arrested and charged with three offences after he had already handed over the ashes of his late brother, Dr. Jones Kasonso, to the family.

Police have clarified that the 49-year-old’s arrest has nothing to do with the collection, transportation or possession of his brother’s remains, but is linked to alleged seditious statements he reportedly made on social media.

Police spokeswoman Chipo Kaitisha says Kasonso was formally arrested and charged with Prohibition of Use of Computer Systems for Offences, Use of Insulting Language and Seditious Practices.

Kaitisha says the alleged offences arise from statements of a seditious nature that Kasonso reportedly made on a known social media platform on August 18, 2026.

She says following the incident, police instituted investigations into the matter, leading to Kasonso’s detention on October 27, 2026, upon his arrival in Zambia.

Police have further clarified that before his detention, Kasonso’s personal belongings and documents, together with the bag containing his late brother’s ashes, had already been handed over to the family.

The Service says his detention relates exclusively to the alleged offences under investigation and has no connection whatsoever to the handling or possession of his brother’s remains.

Kasonso remains in police custody awaiting court appearance.
TV Yatu | November 4, 2026.