The Zambia Police service has refuted claims that its officers surrounded Flava FM in Kitwe, during UN Special Rapporteur, Irene Khan’s, visits to the radio station.
Police Public Relations officer, Rae Hamoonga, says there were allegations on social media specifically on the Facebook pages under the names “Emmanuel Mwamba” and “Patriotic Front-PF” with the quote, “Zambia Police have surrounded Flava FM. UN Special Rapporteur, Irene Khan, is at the radio station trying to stop her!”
But Mr. Hamoonga has refuted the allegations, saying that the claims are baseless, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to create unnecessary panic, distrust, and confusion among the public.
“At no time did the Zambia Police surround Flava FM or interfere with any activities at the radio station, and the Zambia Police have not engaged in any action aimed at obstructing the UN Special Rapporteur, Irene Khan, from conducting her lawful duties in Zambia,” said Mr. Hamoonga in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka.
He said that the falsehoods represents a clear abuse of social media platforms, which undermines public confidence and unnecessarily disrupts peace and order.
Mr. Hamoonga has therefore urged Amb. Mwamba and any other individuals responsible for the post to desist from circulating such falsehoods saying that appropriate action will be taken to ensure accountability under the relevant legal provisions
RCV News
