GOVT INSISTS ZNBC JOURNALIST’S ARREST IS A CRIMINAL MATTER, NOT AN ATTACK ON PRESS FREEDOM

GOVT INSISTS ZNBC JOURNALIST’S ARREST IS A CRIMINAL MATTER, NOT AN ATTACK ON PRESS FREEDOM

Government has insisted that the arrest of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) journalist Macpherson Mukuka is unrelated to his work as a journalist, insisting that the matter is a criminal case that should be handled through the courts.

Speaking on Diamond TV’s Costa’s Cross-Examination programme, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said the journalist was arrested over alleged offences committed in his personal capacity and not because of his profession.

“The arrest of the ZNBC journalist was not related to his work as a journalist but to alleged offences committed in his personal capacity,” Mr Kawana said.

He stressed that “no individual is above the law” and that the suspect would be accorded due process in line with the country’s legal system.

During the programme, Zambia Police Service spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed that the journalist had been charged with “prohibiting the recording of a private conversation without prior notice under the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.”

Mr Kawana explained that police had offered the suspect bond but that “no sureties had come forward,” resulting in his continued detention pending court proceedings.

He added that “the suspect remains innocent until proven guilty” and that the courts would determine the outcome of the case.

He further rejected claims that the arrest was an attack on press freedom, stating, “the case does not constitute an attack on media freedom and is unrelated to journalism.”

On election coverage, Mr Kawana dismissed allegations that ZNBC was sidelining opposition political parties.

He said opposition candidates continued to receive coverage in news bulletins, while all political parties were required to pay the same commercial rates for live broadcasts of campaign rallies.

Regarding President Hakainde Hichilema’s nationwide tours, Mr Kawana said the Head of State continued to undertake official working visits while also engaging citizens in his capacity as the UPND presidential candidate.

He said the visits enabled the President to inspect development projects, address community concerns and make government decisions on site, distinguishing them from ordinary campaign activities.