   |
|
afrol.com, 30 August - The Deputy News Editor of the privately owned Radio Phoenix, Henry Chilufya, was on August 25 illegally detained and roughed-up for at least an hour allegedly by members of the ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) in Lusaka. Chilufya told the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA/MISA-Zambia) that he was on assignment, investigating reports of alleged extortion by MMD cadres at Lusaka's sprawling Soweto Market, when about 15 of them descended on him while he was interviewing the marketeers' association president, Robert Nyemba. Nyemba had earlier issued a press statement to Radio Phoenix condemning the illegal practice. Chilufya, who suffered injuries to his back and leg during the ordeal, said his notebook was shredded to pieces in an ensuing scuffle, while his tape recorder and press identity card were grabbed from him. They were only returned when police intervened. "The tape recorder was tempered with. The tape was removed and returned later, but there was little damage to the recorder," Chilufya said. He was treated for the injuries at Lusaka's University Teaching Hospital. Both Radio Phoenix and the police confirmed the incident. Police spokesman Lemmy Kajoba confirmed that Chilufya's attackers were MMD cadres who were incensed by the news story which was aired on Radio Phoenix on August 24. He further said two members of the marketeers' association were also beaten in the same incident, but were rescued from further beating by Lusaka police commanding officer who rushed to the scene with reinforcements. Kajoba said police were investigating the matter and had opened dockets against the people alleged to have assaulted Chilufya and the others. He hoped to make arrests soon. ZIMA chairperson Masautso Phiri deplored the beating of the reporter, saying such behaviour could not be condoned in a democracy. He hoped the MMD leadership would exercise control and discipline over their cadres.
|
