Govt condemns attack on ZNBC Journalists by suspected UPND cadres

0
This is the new Residence of Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) Hakainde Hichilema in New Kasama, Lusaka.
This is the new Residence of Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) Hakainde Hichilema in New Kasama, Lusaka.

Government has condemned the beating up of Zambia National Broadcasting Services- ZNBC journalists March 3rd by suspected opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres.

And government says the UPND is a party for extremists who do not have the interest of the people at heart going by their un-democratic actions such as March 3 today’s beating of ZNBC journalists.

Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Chishimba Kambwili says the harassment of the Journalist is uncivilised, undemocratic and unacceptable.

He reminded the UPND Leader that he voluntarily told the nation that he controls the security wing particularly the Zambia Intelligence Services popularly known as the “OP”.

Mr. Kambwili was speaking at a press briefing held at parliament building in Lusaka March 3.

Mr. Kambwili, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, said opposition cadres  have no right to harass any journalist who is merely carrying out their duties of informing the nation.

The Information Minister said journalists are mere messengers of the people who do not deserve to be harassed by Mr. Hichilema’s followers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kambwili has expressed disappointment with Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) party leader Charles Milupi for allegedly inciting the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to pounce on Times Printpak for not collecting statutory debts.

Mr. Kambwili has described Mr. Milupi’s accusation as an insult to the Times of Zambia Board, management and Times of Zambia staff.

“Milupi’s accusations that using the ToZ as a sledge hammer for fighting political enemies is an insult to the Board, management and Times of Zambia staff,” he said.

He said this is un-characteristic of a man who once served as a Chairperson of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee which over-sees government expenditures and subjects it to detailed scrutiny on behalf of the electorates.

He said ZRA and NAPSA operate professionally without interference from government.

“It is unacceptable, un-called for and malicious for the opposition leader to play the ostrich about principles and procedures that govern parliamentary committees, “he said.

He said government has got a serious agenda to move Zambia forward and will not be swayed by un-constructive criticism from failed politicians whose only recourse is to retain political gain.

NO COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY