The Committee to Protect Journalists says Zambian authorities must thoroughly investigate the recent attack on two reporters and ensure that the press can work freely and safely.
On May 1, supporters of two factions of the ruling PF violently clashed at the party’s headquarters in Lusaka and unidentified members of the crowd attacked Francis Mwiinga Maingaila, a reporter at the privately-owned news website Zambia 24, and Nancy Malwele, a reporter at the independent New Vision newspaper.
Attackers kicked Ms. Malwele, causing a minor injury to her leg, and she was able to escape from the scene, according to those sources.
Mr. Maingaila told CPJ that a group of about 10 people stole his camera, wallet, and phone, and punched and kicked him when he resisted.
He told CPJ that he was left with swelling on his face and eye.
Mr. Maingaila said Police have opened an investigation into the attack.
“Zambian police must ensure that those who assaulted journalists Francis Maingaila and Nancy Malwele are speedily identified and prosecuted, to send an unequivocal message that violence against journalists will not be condoned,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, in New York.
“Journalists must be free to do their jobs safely and without fear, especially ahead of the country’s August election, when the political temperature will likely increase.”
The fight broke out when Patriotic Front members who did not support Chishimba Kambwili, an opposition leader who recently returned to the party, stormed the party’s headquarters and attacked Kambwili’s supporters.
Mr. Maingaila told CPJ that party officials and police watched and did not intervene while he and Ms. Malwele were assaulted.
He said that after he identified himself as a journalist, the attackers seized his camera and phone, saying they wanted to stop him from publishing information about the violence.
Following the scuffle, Mr. Maingaila said he told party officials about the attack, and they advised him to submit a list of the missing items.
He then sought medical attention at a nearby hospital and was discharged later that evening.
He said his phone, camera, and wallet have not been returned as of today.
During a World Press Freedom Day commemoration in Lusaka, President Edgar Lungu referred to the attack and condemned the violence against journalists, urging the police to arrest those responsible.
Following the President’s speech, police invited Mr. Maingaila to give a statement about the attack, according to the journalist and reports.
Mr. Maingaila told CPJ that he gave the statement today, and that the director of the Criminal Investigations Department directed police to ensure that all suspects were arrested.
Zambia Police Spokesman Esther Katongo told CPJ in a phone interview that the investigation was ongoing, and that more information would be available as it proceeded.
PiyeF00l won’t allow anyone to investigate them.
Sorry, long short!
It is not government role to investigate. Don’t be dull. The police decide independently based on the evidence at hand, which cases to investigate. This over reliance on government is f00lish
Incompetency and bad decisions by IG led to a very bad incident which could have been prevented if our police were let to do there job without interference. The police were chilling with all their equipment at a peaceful event meanwhile no police at pf secretariat where cadres could have shed blood
This sums it up –
Watch “President Lungu has been Funding Hooliganism of Innocent Kalimanshi says Chilufya Tayali” on YouTube
The IG surely received a call from state house or somebody at OP and told him to not investigate the incident. Just like the two officers who shot and killed two innocent citizens, thiks will go under the carpet. One thing is for sure: when Lungu gets at the Pearly Gates when his time has come, the doors will stay shut and he will be directed to that little hole on the side called HELL.