03/07/2025
PRESS STATEMENT
Title: The Tragic Case of “Why Me”: A Call for Truth, Justice, and Accountability
The disturbing and mysterious case of the TikTok blogger known as “Why Me” has shocked the conscience of many Zambians and should stir deep concern across our region and the world. If reports of his death are true and if it is confirmed that he was abducted, tortured, and ultimately killed then this would not only constitute a national tragedy, but a gross human rights violation, possibly amounting to an extrajudicial killing and cross-border crime under international law.
Who IS/Was “Why Me”?
Why Me was a controversial but widely followed content creator who boldly expressed his political views. He criticized both the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND). He was sometimes vulgar, often provocative, and undeniably troubled but above all, he was a human being with rights that should have been protected by law.
His story took a drastic turn in 2023, when he was arbitrarily arrested and detained without trial for nearly a year an unlawful act in itself. During this time, he was reportedly tortured in Livingstone, denied mental health care despite his well-documented condition, and made to suffer in silence until public outcry forced his appearance in court. He was later released in February 2025; broken, traumatized, and worse than he had entered.
Mental Health Neglected, Rights Abused
It is no secret that Why Me had a documented mental health condition and had received treatment at China Mental Hospital. Instead of being offered psychiatric care and rehabilitation, he was treated like a criminal. The state failed to protect his dignity, failed to uphold medical ethics, and ultimately created an even more unstable version of a young man who needed help not imprisonment.
After his release, Why Me continued to use TikTok, but his mental condition had deteriorated. His speech became increasingly erratic and offensive. Reports surfaced that he had fled to Zimbabwe, possibly in fear for his life. Then, in early June 2025, things took a more sinister turn.
Alleged Abduction and Disappearance
Rumors circulated that Why Me had been abducted in Zimbabwe, allegedly with the help of a close acquaintance, and illegally transported back to Zambia. Some media outlets reported that he had surrendered. Others claimed he was in police custody. But when questioned, the police denied having him in detention.
Shortly after, reports emerged that Why Me had been seen half-dead at the UTH mortuary. Disturbingly, on June 9th, unconfirmed reports claimed that he had died, yet no official explanation has been provided, and the public remains in the dark.
If he was indeed abducted from Zimbabwe, this would constitute a violation of international law — an act of extraordinary rendition, often used by repressive regimes to silence dissenters. If he was then tortured and killed, it would amount to an extrajudicial ex*****on, and those involved must be held to account.
We Must Ask the Hard Questions
• Who authorized the alleged abduction of Why Me?
• Where was he taken after he disappeared from social media?
• If he died, where is the official postmortem and cause of death?
• Why is there no transparency or acknowledgment from the police or government?
• Who is now controlling his TikTok account and for what purpose?
A Call for Justice
As a certified human rights consultant, and as a Zambian mother, advocate, and leader, I stand firmly in defense of Why Me’s right to life, due process, and mental healthcare. His death, if confirmed, is not just a personal tragedy it is a national shame and a testament to how we treat the most vulnerable among us.
We may not condone his language or style, but no one deserves to be tortured, silenced, or killed without trial. No state agent, no politician, no hidden hand no matter how powerful has the right to take the law into their own hands.
We Demand:
• A full, independent investigation into Why Me’s arrest, torture, and reported death.
• An official statement from the Zambian government confirming his status.
• A cross-border inquiry involving Zimbabwean authorities if international abduction occurred.
• Accountability for every officer, operative, or individual involved in his unlawful detention or mistreatment.
• Immediate reforms in how Zambia treats citizens with mental health conditions.
Conclusion
We may never fully understand what Why Me endured but we can refuse to forget him. We can demand justice in his name and work to ensure that no other young person is persecuted, tortured, or killed simply for speaking their mind — no matter how loud, controversial, or uncomfortable that voice may be.
Until justice is done, the tragedy of Why Me will remain a dark stain on our conscience and a call to action for all who believe in human dignity and the rule of law.
⸻
Pumulo Situmbeko
Certified Human Rights Consultant – USIDHR
Founder & Leader – Nangoma Foundation Zambia
New Era Democratic Party (NED)
