ZICTA ‘hands over’ Airtel to police

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has referred to the Zambia Police the matter in which Lusaka-based journalist Tomas Zgambo reported the mobile networks service provider, Airtel Zambia, to the regulatory body for criminal conduct.

Airtel allegedly diverted Zgambo’s communication, in form of data, to and from his mobile phone number.

In a letter dated October 26, 2017, and signed by ZICTA director general Patrick Mutibushi, the regulatory body has advised Zgambo to pursue the matter with the Zambia police as it borders on criminality.

“The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) upon receipt of your complaint launched an investigation into the allegations of intrusion of privacy,” reads the letter.

“Further as advised in the meeting held with Authority staff on October 25, 2017 and after analysis of the response from Airtel and your complaint, the Authority would like to advise as follows:

• Airtel responded to our correspondence and indicated that your complaint was the subject of ongoing litigation instituted by yourself against them under case reference number 2015/Hp /904
• Airtel further stated that since the matter is now subject to jurisdiction of the High Court and therefore sub judice, they cannot offer any comment until the matter is adjudicated upon by the High Court
• After analysis of your case and the allegations leveled against Airtel, we have observed that your complaint borders on criminality and is therefore not a regulatory issue.

“In view of the above, the Authority wishes to advise that and in line with Section 6(vi) of the Consumer Protection Guidelines which mandates us to refer any complaints to the suitable bodies with appropriate recommendations, your matter has been referred to the Zambia Police Service through the office of the Inspector General of Police,” reads the letter.