VEEP describes attacks on journalists as barbaric acts of cowardice

Vice President Inonge Wina says attacks on Journalists are not only acts of cowardice but are also barbaric and should not be tolerated.

Responding to a question during the vice president’s question time by Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Dr. Martin Malama, who wanted to know what government is doing to ensure the protection of journalists during course of their duty, Ms Wina has noted that journalists have become endangered spices not only in Zambia, but world over.

She says attacks on journalists should not be tolerated in a democratic society like Zambia.

Ms Wina has since called on the Zambia Police Service to devise mechanisms to ensure the protection of journalists especially during elections.

The Vice President says Journalists are doing their work and should not be targets of violence.    

During Tuesday’s Katuba parliamentary by-election two Zambia Daily Mail journalists, Steven Mvula and Jack Zimba were attacked by political party cadres.

Meanwhile Ms Wina has noted the need for capacity building for law enforcement and investigative institutions such as the Anti Corruption Commission.

Responding to a question by Monze central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu who wanted to know whether government still has confidence in institutions such as the ACC when it has failed to establish the owner of the 48 houses forfeited to the state, Ms Wina says institutions such as the ACC are performing well but need capacity building for them to perform even better.