The Lusaka Magistrate Court has issued a landmark ruling ordering that the Facebook page operating under the name Bukata be taken down immediately, unless both of her parents social media personality Mwizukanji (Prudence Nakamba) and award-winning musician Yo Maps (Elton Mulenga) mutually agree for it to remain active.
The decision was delivered by Resident Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli in an ongoing child custody and access case between the former couple, who share a daughter, Bukata.
The dispute arose after Yo Maps applied to vary a 2022 consent order, seeking primary custody, claiming he had only been allowed to see his daughter once in the past three years and raising concerns about her environment in her mother’s home.
He also highlighted a viral TikTok video in which the child allegedly used vulgar language. However, Mwizukanji opposed the application, stating: She never denied him access, the child lives in a loving home with her siblings and there is no evidence of neglect or unfitness. The single TikTok incident did not reflect poor parenting.
Magistrate Mwamfuli dismissed Yo Maps’ request for full custody, affirming that: The mother’s home is safe and stable. One social media incident is not enough to prove poor supervision. However, the court set strong rules regarding the child’s digital presence.
The court ruled that: Any social media page run in the child’s name must be taken down immediately unless both parents agree to keep it active. Bukata’s image can only be posted if both parents give consent.
For any commercial use of the child’s image, both parents must approve, and all earnings must be placed in a trust account for the child’s benefit.
The court maintained joint custody, requiring both parents to: Make shared decisions on education, health, religion, and welfare. Cooperate in the best interest of the child.
Allow possible review of arrangements if circumstances change. The joint custody order will remain in effect until Bukata turns 18. This ruling highlights the growing concern over children’s privacy on social media and sets a strong legal precedent in Zambia for parental responsibility in the digital age.