Times staffer looked like a cadre – Katuta
By Esther Chisola
CHIENGE independent Member of Parliament Given Katuta has denied threatening violence on Times of Zambia photo-journalist Henry Chunza whom she says looked like a cadre.
Katuta was testifying in a matter in which she is facing one count of threatening violence contrary to section 90 (a), chapter 87 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia.
She said nothing about the journalist portrayed him as a journalist but as a cadre.
“I thought he was a cadre looking at how he was dressed, how he behaved,” Katuta said.
Katuka is alleged to have threatened violence and caused injury to the Times of Zambia photojournalist while he was on duty at Parliament.
When the case came up for the opening of defence before magistrate Idah Phiri, Katuta denied threatening Chunza.
“I never threatened anyone. I don’t know anything about threatening anyone. I also never spat on any journalist,” she said.
Katuta, who is a reverend and co-founder of the Fourth Man Ministries Church, said the person she was telling to delete the photos of her was dressed and looked like a cadre.
She said on the fateful day, she had experienced one of the most embarrassing moments as a member of Parliament after the Speaker suspended her from Parliament and made her walk the walk of shame.
“I was confused, upset. At that time, I was also not too well. I used to have a spine dislocation. At the same time, we were preparing to go to Switzerland for the IPU conference. I felt ashamed to an extent where I told myself I would not go back to Parliament during that sitting period,” Katuta said.
“So, I was ordered to leave, to take a walk of shame, which is not a pleasant thing for any member of parliament to experience. So, the two security officers from inside the chamber opened the door for me,” she said.
The case comes up again for cross-examination.
