“Field, I have always known you as a chancer, now you have shown your old stupid begging shabeen manners, you’ve even become more useless than those old dead prostitutes. You have no capacity to be called a monkey at the least [more irksome epithets]…” wrote blogger non de plume “Cat Power.”
This was in response to my article “Day of reckoning 9/19: Devotees vs. Skeptics, who won?” in which I refer to the president as looking pale, gaunt, and sick, and lash out at him for not being honest with the Zambian people about his illness. My article got Cat Power’s adrenaline and cortisol flooding the brain and caused him such wicked convulsive rabid rage he portrayed me as a vagabond and much worse in his concoction. I am lucky I was not in his line of fire.
Cat Power’s derangement shot a chill in my spine because there is a Chicago-based self-proclaimed Zambian “executioner” by the name of Chanda Chashi who is threatening to kill journalists and their families for “wishing Sata death.” In typical psychopathic assassin-style unprecedented in Zambia, Chisha has posted a chilling message on journalist Gershom Ndhlovu’s Facebook:
“It seems u can’t wait to see Sata dead, huh? Well, I have bad news for u. U will first die from a very painful death before Sata. But before u die, u will first witness some accident deaths from your family members and your loved ones. This shall come to pass. Mark my words…ONLY IF U REPENT FROM YOUR ENVY, BITTERNESS AND JEALOUS. Your heart is full of evil and hatred. Wait and see…”
Never has a Zambian publicly threatened another with death in such a manner. In a state of murderous gratification, Chashi has turned himself into an assassin. He even has the audacity to dare the Chicago Police Department. In his second message to Ndhlovu he writes:
“Let me tell u sir, I only fear God. I’m not scared of anyone who breaths in oxygen. Go on and report me to Chicago Police. Do u think American Police can tolerate that nonsense? Well, let me give u my details so that u can give the Chicago Police to come and arrest me. My phone number is; 314 229 7725. My home address is; 526 South Elis street, Hyde Park, Chicago.”
This is what is called snapping with tragic consequences. Coincidentally, I am also grappling with my own apprehensions. Cat Power’s outburst was awfully familiar. Only last month I had a similar escapade. After my August article “Sata’s Dynasty: Is God sending a message?” I received a rather strange call.
“Is that Field Ruwe?”
“Can I help you?” I calmly asked.
“If you are the one, you better stop the nonsense, you Sata hater. Who are you to evoke God’s name on Sata’s so-called illness? You are the one spreading lies that he is ill. Get it in your thick head, he is not ill, do you understand? What wrong has the president done to you? Is this a way of wanting a job from him, you lousy chancer? There’s a better way than writing your stupid articles day after day. You have no respect for the president…”
“Could this be Cat Power?” I wondered.
Apparently, Cat Power, who is believed to be residing in Australia, claims to have my phone number. In his contrite response to chastisement by bloggers, he writes the following: “Next time I’ll call you [me] when unhappy about your post.”
Ndhlovu’s situation and mine offer one lens through which to look at journalism in Zambia under the Sata regime. Since Sata and his PF party gained the presidency journalists have been operating in a field of landmines. Those with dissenting voices are likely to lose a limb or two. As president, Sata has failed to condone PF lethal violence whenever it has occurred. It is partly the reason some PF cadres, supporters, and dangerous individuals like Chashi are able to make such outlandish threats. They are prepared to harm or kill because they believe that their martyrdom will win them redemption.
I for one, spent four years in a university studying among other specialties, Investigative Journalism [Accountability Reporting], a course in which reporters deeply investigate serious crimes and political malpractices. I was hoping to help people of my country uncover information that is in the public interest and expose hypocritical behavior by those in power.
Over the years, I have staked my soul to provide information necessary to shape public opinion and government policy, and also to prevent the public from being misled by President Sata and his subordinates. Sadly, I am being forced to succumb to intimidation and threats by PF cadres, and emotional and dangerous madmen like Chashi and Cat Power. Such people, many who are employed as story killers by the ruling party, spend time chasing after anti-Sata articles and disembowel authors with insults and fabrications in their effort to distract and dictate public response and behavior.
In as far as people like Chashi and Cat Power are concerned, we cannot hold Sata accountable. We cannot question or differ with him. He was democratically elected by the people and is therefore sacrosanct and off-limits. Between now and when his term ends he is a demi-god. He can do whatever he wants. We can’t question his Machiavellian tactics and crippled policies. We should praise him even when he is the most disengaged president in our history; a dishonest propagandist who is often and clearly contradictory, inconsistent, and ambiguous in his views. We should support and promote his agenda to create a dynasty.
Let’s face it, currently Sata is afflicted by serious illness. We all know; the UN knows; the entire world knows. And yet Zambian journalists cannot find out the nature of his illness and discuss its effects on the country. Not even his close subordinates will give a hint. Sata, who was erroneously reported to have expired by the foreign media, would rather be responding to the Associated Press, Newsweek, and ABC than letting his own reporters disseminate the actuality.
The president would rather we reported lies. When he is weak and frail we should inform the public that it is fatigue and weight loss due to old age. When he spends millions of dollars on accommodation, and jet fuel in search of hospitals and medical expenses abroad, we should regard it as a deserved presidential dispensation. When he goes to the UN and fails to address the Security Council we should give the impression it is not mandatory for a head of head to make a speech.
As a result, our papers are filled with false headlines like “President Sata is in perfect health—Scott,” “Sata is on a working holiday in Israel—Mwansa Kapeya,” “President Sata is not fatigued—spokesman Joseph Katema.” These men have stripped journalists of their vocation and subjected them to the usual citizenry principle of appeasement, lies, and flattery. They are the reason rumors of Sata’s death are swelling. Kapeya even has the audacity to issue a threat; “those who are spreading falsehoods will be arrested.” One would think his transformation from a broadcaster to a cabinet minister would benefit media practitioners.
Let me get back to Chashi. If indeed Ndhlovu had wished the president death or celebrated at reading the story in the Associated Press, it is most unfortunate. Ndhlovu should know that as a journalist he has to show compassion for those affected by the news. Having said that, you Chashi and your murdering squad in Zambia have no right to take the law in your hands and slay him and members of his family. The law will catch up with you.
Moreover, in Chicago, where you currently reside, your utterances fall under the Terrorist Threat. It is a crime in Illinois and in every U.S. state to knowingly utter or convey a threat to cause death or bodily hard to any person. You must also understand that transmitting death threats via an Internet social tool is a federal crime in the United States.
I also see that you are an educator at Cleo A School, in Chicago. In the U.S. the education code requires that an educator values the worth and dignity of every person. You are required to strive to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct. The fact that you have caused Ndhlovu and his family fear and terror, deems you unfit to teach and work with students. The minute your employers, the principal, fellow teachers, and parents read your death threat, they will perceive you as a danger to them and students. You will be dismissed never to work in the U.S. again. If you go to prison, you will serve many years and will be deported. This applies to all Zambians with similar motives.
Finally, threats and intimidation should not cow any Zambian journalist. The Zambian people need our voice. They need us to convey to them what is happening in the chambers of power. We should therefore be courageous in gathering and reporting. We should tell the story as it is, even when it is unpopular to some.
Please Note: Four months ago when I saw the picture of a frail looking president, I set aside my “Hunt for Successor” series out of sheer respect. Now that succession has become the elephant in the PF room, I would like to help break the doors and let it out.
Stop just stop with these articles
This is undermining arguably the best President those shores have ever had
This is not funny anymore, 2021 is too far away, that you may not be alive
Mr Sata is young if you compare him with the likes of Mugabe, Banda etc
Thanks
We anakulowa iwe anafa, angati alimoya angati akunvelela chifunda.
Sounds like a frightened little man this Ruwe ,how can you be scared of cat power .LOL.
He is not even a regular blogger .
HERE WE GO AGAIN… Ruwe ne lyashi lyamutatakuya. What the hell is this of attacking online “bloggers”? We LIKE Cat Power from Australia!!
But Field why even go on taking on Ba Chisha from Chicago? If he doesn’t sue you, well well well ninshi Ba Field Ruwe katwishi apo mufikile. Now you are expert in USA Federal Laws.
I wont comment on your opinion of me. I expressed what I thought of my contribution to your article the next morning when I was fresher after quite some good whisky. I acknowledged to the bloggers that I was probably off hook and apologised. It seems what I said will haunt you for ever. It may be true or I made in up in my stupor. Let it go. Don’t make people confirm the epithets. Be happy I was wrong. By the way, Am not at all a supporter of PF but really got pissed off with a mature educated man making someone’s sickness a platform to gain attention. I may have misread your article or miss interpreted it. Have a good night.
Ba Nos,
Shani Bakalamba, Yangu twali nyela inkalamu pamona. Bwafya. Kekekeke.
Ichugulo Mukwai
Keep doing what you’re doing. Absolute morons breed morons and so forth. They have no interest for the collective that is Zambia, only just for themselves, and the lack of common sense is evidenct with such people.
@Cat Power, Kikikiki I remember that comment, and we told you that our friend Ruwe kuti aikulika. But we are behind bro, just wait when the guys are up they will pour blessings on you.
Yes, be gentleman on this, don’t respond to Ruwe, we do it for you.
@Ndobo, Saulosi, please guys today support “Cat Power”.
Cat power
Did you actually call this buffoon ? can you share his number ,i have a lot of free minutes.
What i know is you do not even support PF.
That is the problem of being looked after by a woman , get a job Ruwe.
@Nostradamus
ine shocked,,, whatever our once good drinking mate is now smoking these day is brain toxic,,, i mean how can @cat power in Australia have a chicago phone # and a chicago home address??,,,awe mwe!! this ebola virus which is now affecting brain cells of some people in USA is worrying
@cat power
one question bro,,, did call Ruwe from Australia on a chicago number???,,kikiki
i have seen a photo of Chanda chashi gay kissing his man husband,, you dont look alike and you are certainly not in the same league,,, i think
Note to dumass actually offered me out one time and threatened to get physical…pfffft!! When blain power is at a limit….etc etc etc.
Back on this roller coaster ride. We can enjoy this entertainment. This is all a figment of your mind, trying to blow your own horn as if you are a big factor in Zed, a newsmaker!
I appreciate your good writing skills and would urge you to start writing novels.
You ka mushota why do you say things you do not know RB and MCS are of the same age.get your facts right do not show us how dull you are.
Iwe @ Muma its you asshlole being dull coz RB is older by months …
The Police in Zambia would rather arrest someone for peacefully assembling without the so-called Police “Permit” than follow up thugs like Chanda Chashi, Gen., Kudos and “Haleisa Haleisa”.
Thank you Ruwe for publishing the photograph of this thug called Chanda Chashi. The next photos to be published will be those of Gen., Kudos and “Haleisa Haleisa”. Just wait. It may not be Ruwe to expose these other thugs. Even patriotic members of our security services may do it unofficially i.e. without the approval of theier partisan top brass. Our police command esp. has always been partisan except for Mateo and Dr Malama. Those deserve a salute. Chanda Chashi must know that his rantings make out the President to be a bad man. Mr. Kabimba’s behaviour made the PF look bad.
You can even note that @ Cat Power is folding his “tail” and has nothing to offer apart from yapping with his fellow kolwestans of Chanda Chashi. Kaponya mentality of PF is shocking.
Busy defending the un defensible who went to hide in New York and failed to address the UN but claims to be very fit, health as well as hard working?! Alas, their own Donchi Kubeba has caught up with them.
PF, only 20 more months, the likes of Kudos, Mushota, Cat Power and Saulous will disappear from blocking, PF sponsored bloggers with Zambian peoples taxes.
PF cadres, like the Kambwili have no idea the importance of education.
Where is fit and health Sata, back in hibernation? 20 months before PF is democratically elected OUT of power. Counting!
For your info mugabe and RB are not sick.
You are right Mushota, our Presido is still very young and kicking. I shudder to think what these people are after because the President has shown a lot of commitment in as far as developing the country is concern.
Evil will never over good. Mwanya
Thanks!
You speak sense, next time drop the words ‘Thanks’
It synonymous with me, being the best at everything I do.
Thanks
Look!
Continue living in abject denial, 20 months before PF is peacefully removed from power. Patiently,counting down and waiting.
Yapp whilst you still can, time is ticking for you PF cadres.
@Field Ruwe,
When was the last time (which would be the first) you heard any American (democrat or republican) say ANY demeaning rubbish say your kind of words against their leaders after the elections? Muli chipuba baRuwe. You could have learnt something from that Ruwe who could unite Zambia with John Mwale on ‘Tiyende Pamodzi Show’ on ZBS TV. Wow! How far you have fallen you of a lesser form of humanity!!
Kakolwe…you obviously have no clue. Just look it up on line. There are even dedicated sites, which are abit extreme to be frank but I find your absolute lack of skop and denial of acknowledging questions that every true Zambian is asking and wants answers to, very disturbing especially because you actually think you are correct….very misinformed and mis alligned.
I also feel that the levels of journalism in our country have sunk low. Mr Field, though you boast of credantials and living in the US, your articles in the so called Hunt for Successor have provocative language and biased always. Even reading this very article makes me wonder if you truly are a professional journalist. In America where you stay, you know the etiquette for practicing journalists. You know the unpalatable language you use against others cannot be condoned where you are. Just because in Zambia our laws aren’t developed like America’s doesn’t mean you can write anyhow. No wonder others are using threats on you because they can’t stomach your abusive articles. Look at the way the international media reported on the president’s sickness. although some of them got their…
It called freedom of expression or speech, and therefore, Ruwe has every right to boast, indeed to freely say what he likes. Stop attacking the personality but comprehend what is in the discourse.
Another Muchingarian tribalist you are? Ruwe’s articles are always fantastic. Don’t be jealous of Ruwe Iwe kansonkomona.
True, Mr Ruwe and all practicing and aspiring Journalists must learn to use the power of the Pen to inform, educate and entertain the nation not to antagonise, demonise, and divide such a peace loving nation like ours. Remember that Rwanda was driven to genocide by careless Journalism that almost wiped out an entire people. While we don’t condone anyone issuing threats to others, don’t be provocative in your writing.
Is it very difficulty to just criticise, condemn, or advise without insulting the person, or his character? Despite a person’s apparent or perceived deficiencies, inadequacies, mistakes etc, learn to use language that would even win over that person’s most ardent supporters. Your audience includes both those who love the object of your verbosity, and those who loathe…
Yaba, its funny how pipo can get at each other’s throats when all the while the pipo they are killing each other over are comfortable and laughing in the homes…..
Gentelemen, and ladies, calm down….
@ Cat Power. only a real man/women takes note of their mistakes and admits. you did well and i say hats off to you. As for Mr or is it Dr Ruwe, i have a few words for him – stop being so shallow in your articles. i for one wont vote for PF next time but i would never wish to have bye elections because someone’s father, husband, uncle etc is dead. MCS is a person with relations like you and me and we need to to treat the presidency with both etiquette and decency plus decorum. we can all advance our opinions without being sarcastic as sarcasm will not take anywhere. i have followed your articles which all seem to be laced with malice. just remember that there is always a better way of addressing your fellow human beings.
What I fail to understand; is why you insist on talking about a persons personal health ‘investigative Journalism.’ All you did was make a lot of suppositions and tried to circumvent the democratic path to Leadership by subversion, and sedition.
In any case most investigative journalism bring up hidden facts. Your efforts did not. Don’t call writing weak articles journalism! You were contributing to disquiet in Zambia and affecting its good image to the detriment of our economy.
Hehehehehehehehehehehehe. Cat Power is hardly an internet troll but he seems to have unnerved Field Ruwe. What’s the point of this article anyway Field? To lock us in a pit latrine as you usually do? Time to develop a thick skin baba.
Hats off to Cat Power for showing maturity. Ruwe nobody cares what happens in your private or social life stop seeking sympathies. You still seeking approval and self fulfilling .Ruwe “I for one, spent four years in a university studying among other specialties, Investigative Journalism [Accountability Reporting], a course in which reporters deeply investigate serious crimes and political malpractices” MR Ruwe its duty as a journalist or writer to investigate and inform. I would respect you if you tried to investigate and inform us what happened in that hotel room in New York and why the president failed to appear at UN or the nature of his illness which remains a mystery to the nation than writing this trash. You live in a fantasy world and suffering from emotion
Good points Ba Field. Our local journalists do not have guts like you. God Bless America!!!
Field,you are a classy act,my man.carry on the good work you are doing…these threats are unzambian and are coming from people who are scared for their jobs.Dont shy away fro calling a spade a spade.Missed yo last article but will look for it.
@ Cat Power
No need to apologize. Field Ruwe is a filthy nut! And deserves the very worst!
How an unhinged loony like Chanda Chashi can be an educator at an American university is just beyond me.The guy belongs in a lunatic’s asylum. Anyone who read the despicable insults and chilling threats he directed at a woman last year in the name of defending Sata would have been left in no doubt just what an unsavoury character he is .The American authorities definitely need to pay him a visit and feel his collar.
Brother Field, stop wasting time talking to PF and Sata followers about ethics, if Sata himself doesn’t know anything about ethics then u are expecting too much from his followers…Thanks ever so much for your brilliant articles…Stay well and blessed my man