IBA OFFICES SEALED OFF AMIDST MURDER PROBE, STAFF TEMPORARILY HOUSED AT ZNBC
IBA OFFICES SEALED OFF AMIDST MURDER PROBE, STAFF TEMPORARILY HOUSED AT ZNBC
The police have cordoned off all offices at the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) as part of an intensive investigation into the untimely demise of Guntila Muleya, the former Director General, whose lifeless body was found under suspicious circumstances last week.
Addressing a gathering of IBA employees amidst the swirling uncertainty, Thabo Kawana, Minister of Information and Media, announced that staff would not be permitted to access the IBA’s facilities until further notice. This unprecedented move will see employees temporarily relocating to the premises of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), where they are expected to squat in makeshift workspaces as the investigation unfolds.
“We understand the inconvenience this might cause,” Kawana acknowledged during a press briefing, “but it is crucial for the integrity of the investigation that no one enters the IBA offices until the police have completed their work.” The Permanent Secretary reassured the staff that measures were being put in place to ensure a smooth continuation of their duties, albeit under less than ideal conditions.
In a bid to maintain operational continuity, Kawana instructed all IBA staff to keep their phones active around the clock. “It is imperative that you remain reachable at all times, day or night,” he emphasized. The directive comes as part of the police’s strategy to swiftly call in employees for questioning or other purposes related to the investigation.
Starting from Tuesday, a detailed plan outlining how the displaced workers will proceed with their responsibilities will be provided. This roadmap, according to Kawana, is designed to minimize disruptions and ensure that critical functions of the IBA are not compromised during this period of transition.