POLICE on the Copperbelt have arrested photographer Chellah Tukuta on four counts of criminal libel.

Tukuta, who is facing similar charges in Lusaka, was transferred to Ndola where four counts of criminal libel and two counts of threatening violence on the Copperbelt have been slapped on him.

Copperbelt Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga said the offences were committed on separate dates but between May 26 and June 17, 2020.

She said the defamatory and hatred remarks were made against Abdulai Khalif, 68, of 5851 Airport Road in Itawa, also the director of Khalif Motors limited.

She said Tukuta also threatened violence against Khalif.

“Yes, he is in our custody he is facing four counts of libel and two counts of threatening violence and expressing the hatred ridicule to persons because of their race and place of their origin,” Katanga said.

“This occurred on separate dates but between May 26 and June 17 this year where he Tukuta, 34, of Lusaka posted on his Facebook account called Chellah Tukuta Photography defamatory statement and hatred against Khalif also threatening violence in relation to the same man.”

She said other defamatory remarks were made against Benson Tembo, 51, of plot number 2336 Kawama Road in Pamodzi who is the secretary general for Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia (PTAZ).

She said Chellah also defamed Langiwe Lungu, 52, director general for Energy Regulation Board (ERB) of Kabulonga Lusaka.

Katanga said the suspect was in police custody and would appear in court soon.