Govt denounce violence against journalists

Government says it is doing everything possible to ensure that violence against journalists is curtailed.

Speaking at a one day workshop organized by Media Institute in Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia, Information and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, Mwansa Kapeya, said government is concerned with the level of violence being instigate by party cadres against media personnel.

Mr Kapeya said government will do everything possible to ensure that journalists are protected at all cost especially during their discharge of national duties.

The deputy minister said any act of violence against journalists is criminal, adding that the long arm of the law will not hesitate to visit cadres championing violence despite their political affiliation.

Mr Kapyepa said the PF government wants to see a free press that will not be victimized by political parties.

Meanwhile, Mr Kapeya has implored the general public to appreciate the role the Zambian media are playing in promoting peace in the country.

Mr Kapeya said as such the general public should view the media as agents of peace.

And speaking earlier at the same function, MISA Zambia Chairman, Nalumino Nalumino, urged government to instantly curb violence being perpetrated by political cadres against the media.

Mr Nalumino said government should not wait till a life of a journalist is lost for the state to act.