German Journalist Arrested in Chambishi While Probing Kafue River Pollution

By Pamela Kapekele A German journalist investigating the February 18 acid spill that poisoned the Kafue River was briefly detained in Chambishi, Copperbelt Province, in what rights groups say is part of a wider pattern of silencing voices critical of Zambia’s mining sector. Rebecca Stegmann, 30, a Berlin-based freelance journalist, had been speaking with residents of Kalusale — a community directly affected by the spill — when mine police officers intercepted her on September 30, 2025, around 13:30 hours. The officers, employed by Sino Metals, accused her of trespassing on land owned by NFC Africa Mining. She was escorted to Chambishi Police Station, where, after her identity was verified, she was cautioned and told to obtain permission from mine management before speaking to community members. Stegmann was released without charge. The Kafue River Crisis The Kafue River is Zambia’s lifeline, stretching over 1,500 kilometers and sustaining households, fisheries, and agriculture. But it is also a dumping ground for effluent from the Copperbelt’s mines and industries. The February 18 acid spill was one of the worst in recent years. Thousands of liters of sulphuric acid leaked into the river near Chambishi, killing fish, contaminating water sources, and destroying livelihoods. Communities from Kalusale to Kafue town reported devastating impacts, but little has been done to hold those responsible to account. Civil society groups argue that regulatory enforcement remains weak, with environmental fines often treated as the cost of doing business. Meanwhile, ordinary Zambians are left to bear the health and economic costs. Silencing Voices Stegmann’s arrest has raised fresh concerns about freedom of the press and the protection of communities speaking out against powerful mining interests. Critics say security crackdowns discourage both journalists and residents from exposing the real toll of industrial pollution. “Instead of targeting whistleblowers and reporters, authorities should be investigating the polluters,” said Sipho Mwanza, an environmental activist based in Choma, Zambia. The incident adds to growing scrutiny of how Zambia balances its mining-led economic growth with environmental justice and the rights of affected citizens.