Maravi

MMD cadres try to block Post reporters from State House

MMD cadres try to block Post reporters from State House
Written by Mwala Kalaluka
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 2:14:22 PM

MMD cadres yesterday threatened to beat up Post reporters if they were allowed into State House to cover the Africa Freedom Day celebrations. And the cadres roughed up a Radio Phoenix journalist, Pennifer Sikainda, on her way into State House to cover the celebrations.

The cadres converged at the gate as some journalists, including the author, were being cleared by State House security personnel. They asked if there was any reporter from The Post but no one responded. One of the MMD cadres was heard saying that The Post reporters should not be allowed inside the premises.

"Ba Post si mungenamo mukati mumenyewa [you, Post journalists, you will not be allowed inside. You will be beaten]," the MMD cadre only identified as Zulu shouted while looking towards the journalists who were in the queue awaiting clearance.

Zulu was further heard audaciously instructing State House security personnel not to allow The Post personnel into the grounds.

"Mukazikopa boss wanu uko ku Post [you should just be photographing your boss]," Zulu continued. "Mukopa vinangu mufaka vinangu pa picture [you take a picture but then you publish something else]."

Some emotionally charged cadres described people at The Post as dogs. However, The Post reporters managed to get clearance and cover the proceedings.

But the cadres waylaid Sikainda as she attempted to show State House security personnel her press card in a bid to go into the premises soon after The Post journalists had been cleared. Sikainda said the MMD cadres intercepted and grabbed her press card in the process.

"They were saying 'us we are party security and those are state security. So we need to check as well'," Sikainda said.

Sikainda eventually managed to disentangle herself from the cadres and entered State House.

Later during the investiture ceremony, which was attended by various dignitaries, Zambia Army Chaplain Colonel James Phiri urged the country's leaders not to be deceived by the pride of leadership.

Col Phiri said in his opening prayer that leaders needed to be humble.

"It is your hand that crafted this land for us," Col Phiri prayed. "Give [leaders] wisdom to lead us. We refuse that at any time they should be deceived by the pride of leadership."

And in a short speech after the ceremony, President Banda said he hoped people that attended this year's Africa Freedom Day celebrations had enjoyed themselves.

"I just want to say thank you very much for coming, for accepting our invitation this morning. I hope you have enjoyed yourselves and continue to enjoy yourselves," President Banda said. "State House is yours today."

Dr Kenneth Kaunda said Africa Freedom Day was a great day.

"It brought tears to my eyes, as I watched everything here," Dr Kaunda said.

He also called for an enhanced building of African countries.

Former president Frederick Chiluba said the continent's liberators had done their part and that another generation would take over.

Irish Ambassador to Zambia Bill Nolan said while Zambia had achieved a lot in the close to 50 years of independence, there was still a lot to be done.

"Ireland has been a friend of Zambia for over 100 years, of course the relationship is official now," Ambassador Nolan said. "It has achieved a lot but it is clear there is a lot to do, when it celebrates its 50 years definitely that will be of course an occasion for Zambia to take stock."

Those honoured at yesterday's commemoration include Zambia's first black Army commander General Kingsley Chinkuli, who was conferred with the order of the grand commander of the order of distinguished service.

Those conferred with the order of distinguished service: second division were former Office of President Special Division officers, Mayford Shepherd Chaambwa, Hans Hastings Chibinde Mfune and Florence Masiye.

Richard Toka, Noah Nyimbili and Luka Chapwila Chikwa [posthumously] were conferred the president's medal for gallantry, while the president's insignia of recognition was conferred on Rosemary Lubwili, Ramesh Bahphubhai Desai and sculptor Flinto Chandia. Chandia also presented a sculpture to President Banda.

Earlier in the morning, President Banda led defence chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps in laying wreaths at the Freedom Statue.

Labels: CADRES, MMD, PENNIFER SIKAINDA, POLITICAL VIOLENCE

posted by MrK @ 1:17 PM