Home Affairs PS warns against release of fake statements

Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo has warned politicians and members of the public against making statements that could incite citizens and threaten peace in the country. Speaking today during a joint press briefing at the Ministry…

Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo has warned politicians and members of the public against making statements that could incite citizens and threaten peace in the country.

Speaking today during a joint press briefing at the Ministry of Information and Media, Mr Matembo said police will not sit back and allow alarming statements that have the potential to put the country at risk.

Mr Matembo has warned that individuals making such statements may be called upon to explain themselves, particularly where their remarks border on serious offences.

He has urged all citizens to exercise restraint and allow the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to announce the results, instead of making statements that could create tension and disturb the peaceful environment in the country.

He appealed to citizens to protect vulnerable members of society who may not be in a position to protect themselves during the current period adding that police will continue to adjust their operations in line with the prevailing security requirements to ensure the safety of citizens and their property.

Mr Matembo has since called on all Zambians to put the interests of the country first and avoid making wild or inflammatory statements that could trigger unrest.

And speaking at the same press briefing, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana condemned what he described as false and alarming statements being circulated by some opposition political players amid the ongoing announcement of election results.

Mr Kawana also dismissed claims that former Minister of Transport and Communication Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and admitted to Maina Soko Medical Centre.

He stated that he has confirmed with the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Maambo Haamaundu, that Mr Kafwaya is not admitted at Maina Soko Medical Centre.

He also dismissed claims that Patrick Mwansa, the husband of former President Edgar Lungu’s daughter Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, has been detained at Lusaka Central Police Station.

He explained that there is no record of Mr Mwansa being detained at the police station, while also dismissing reports that he has died.

“The circulation of unverified information is likely to alarm and agitate members of the public and could potentially trigger disorder and disrupt the electoral process,” said Mr Kawana.

He urged Zambians to remain calm, reject unverified information and allow the Electoral Commission of Zambia to complete the process of announcing the election results.

Mr Kawana further warned that individuals making statements that may incite the public could be required to account for their remarks after the electoral process, further stressing that the country must remain peaceful and allow the election results to be announced and a winner declared in accordance with the law.