A Zambian-American social media personality has been handed an 18-month prison sentence for hate speech after admitting to making offensive online comments about Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema.
Ethel Chisono Edwards — widely known online as “One Boss Lady” — holds dual citizenship and works as a real estate agent in New York. Over the last two years, she gained a strong following on social media, often posting fiery critiques of the Zambian president.
Her return to Zambia three months ago for her grandmother’s funeral led to her arrest at the country’s main airport. Edwards pleaded guilty in a Lusaka magistrate court, where she also apologised directly to the president for her remarks.
Magistrate Webster Milumbe said the court needed to send a strong message as hate speech had become more common in public discourse. Edwards was convicted under recently introduced laws — the Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act — after admitting she used a computer system to publish comments driven by hatred and without any legal justification.
Her lawyer, Joseph Katati, described her as a remorseful first-time offender with community impact. He highlighted that she is a breadwinner and a supporter of a girls’ football team in Zambia that may be affected by her imprisonment. He also delivered a formal apology on her behalf to President Hichilema, his family, and the nation.
Throughout her appearances, Edwards maintained a quiet and subdued demeanor, contrasting sharply with her outspoken online persona. The magistrate considered the mitigation plea and ruled that her 18-month term would be counted from the date of her arrest.
Katati said he has not yet received instructions on whether she plans to appeal.
The case has sparked debate across Zambia. Some citizens believe the sentence was necessary to curb harmful speech, while others view it as a troubling limitation on free expression. While criminal defamation of the president has been abolished, Zambians can still face prosecution under other cyber-related laws.
In a separate incident in September, two men were jailed for two years for attempting to use witchcraft to harm President Hichilema.