Stop UPND, police impunity against journalists
THE arrest of Wave FM journalist Hope Chooma by the police in Mazabuka should be condemned in the strongest terms. This is a desperate act by overzealous United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres in collusion with some unscrupulous police officers to harass and intimidate journalists.
It is regrettable that Chooma, who was assaulted by UPND cadres a few weeks ago and reported the incident to the police, has been arrested instead of his assailants – effectively turning him from a victim to a villain. This police impunity and professional misconduct must be condemned and not be tolerated.
While covering a business woman’s activities in Mazabuka’s Magoye Constituency on March 7, 2025, Chooma was attacked by UPND cadres and suffered a gash to the back of his neck. Chooma was issued with a medical form after reporting the matter to the police.
The Free Press Initiative (FPI) and the Mazabuka Press Club have legitimate concerns because journalists work under difficult conditions, and politicians – especially those in the ruling party – must not be allowed to continue with this impunity without facing the consequences.
We believe that journalists have an obligation to report on any organisation or individual without fear or favour. Nobody, not even the UPND cadres, have the right to decide who should be blacked out and who should be covered. To put it simply, journalists have the responsibility to decide what is and is not newsworthy and do not need permission from others.
Journalists have a moral duty to report on issues of public interest that involve corporations, political parties, civic society, the church and all other individuals.
We wholeheartedly endorse FPI founder Joan Chirwa’s appeal to the UPND and other political parties to respect journalists and guarantee their safety in the execution of their duties.
Chirwa reminded the UPND of the commitment made by President Hakainde Hichilema on many occasions that journalists must be allowed to operate freely without fear of intimidation or violence.
“This continued impunity for crimes against our journalists by alleged supporters of the ruling party is therefore concerning and a complete disregard of the President’s messages that journalists must be allowed to enjoy their freedoms in our country.
“The FPI stands in solidarity with Hope and all journalists who face harassment, intimidation and violence in the course of their work. We will also continue to advocate for press freedom, human rights and the safety of journalists,” Chirwa said.
We also agree with Mazabuka Press Club president Luckson Hamooya that President Hichilema, Magoye Member of Parliament Mweemba Malambo and his Mazabuka counterpart Gary Nkombo should advise their supporters to refrain from violence against the media and the people it covered.
“They even say it in Tonga, ‘ndiswe tulela [we are the ones ruling], you cannot arrest us’. So, that is very unfortunate, and it’s unfortunate as well that it has happened to our colleague, Mr Hope …. I don’t know what you can even think about it because the person who’s actually alleged to have been assaulted by Hope was the person that was on the wanted list by the police,” Hamooya said.
“So, we are appealing to the President and the MPs from Magoye and Mazabuka Central to, please, advise their people to stay away from violence; to respect the media. We have the right to cover anyone who requests our services as long as it’s not illegal.”
It is not the first time we have heard stories of police officers turning victims into villains, and Chooma’s arrest is not an isolated case. We call on Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba to discipline erring police officers and restore professionalism to the service. Right now, it leaves much to be desired. The police have a duty to serve and protect all Zambians regardless of political affiliation, social status, race or religion. Stop the impunity against journalists now! They are not your enemies.
