THE violence that rocked the PF secretariat on Saturday during the thorough beating of Innocent Kalimanshi by fellow PF cadres was the last test for Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja and his command, President Lungu has said.
Speaking at the Press Freedom Day celebrations at Freedom Statue in Lusaka this morning, the Head of State said he would not tolerate anymore failure by police to protect citizens and property.
He warned that his eyes were fixed on the case to see what action the police would take against criminal elements in his party who orchestrated violence during the event to welcome expelled NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili which however turned into carnage as cadres lynched the self-styled PF National Commander.
President Lungu also reaffirmed his support for the media saying those cadres who have been storming radio stations whenever opposition leaders where featuring had graduated to criminality and the law should take its course.
Meanwhile, speaking earlier, Enerst Chanda who is Chairperson of a Technical Committee drafting the media bill called on the Head of State to declare May 3 as International Press Freedom Day and also intervene in the closure of Prime Television Station.
In responding to the matters, President Lungu said that what Chanda was calling for was illegal as neither he nor the Minister of Information could issue broadcasting licences except for the IBA.
The 2021 Press Freedom Day attracted over 500 participants and was the first ever to be graced by a sitting Zambian President.
The event was sponsored by various organisation and #kalemba sponsored an acrobatic motorcycle entertainment display.
©Kalemba May 3, 2021
