Metro

Family of slain Cameroon journalist allege death threats from officials under investigation

Published

2 years ago

March 23, 2023

Family members of slain Cameroonian journalist, Martinez Zogo, who was murdered in January, have cried out over death threats they have been receiving from goverment officials and powerful individuals who are under investigation on their suspected involvement in the murder.

The popular and outspoken broadcaster was abducted and subsequently killed after he exposed official corruption among politicians.

Zogo’s mutilated remains were found near a bush in Yaounde on January 22, five days after he was abducted by unknown individuals.

While authorities have arrested a number of suspects including a media mogul, Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, the owner of pro-government media outfit, Vision 4 TV channel, security personnel and top officials in connection with Zogo’s murder, his family members say they are being inundated with death threats.

Zogo’s widow, Diane Zogo, who revealed the threats to the family at a press conference in Yaounde on Wednesday, said she and her children have been intimidated by threats and physical assaults.

Diane said in one incident, the occupants of a car following her pulled up alongside her vehicle and opened fire, destroying the windshield before driving off when witnesses started shouting for help.

The family lawyer, Calvin Djob, who confirmed that Zogo’s wife and children have been receiving death threats, said some family members and friends have received bribes to support burying the journalist before results of the investigation are made public from officials who are being investigated.

Djob said Zogo’s spouse has made it clear that her husband will not be buried if results of investigations ordered by Cameroon President Paul Biya into Zogo’s death are not made public.

“Officials who are being investigated for killing Zogo believe that Zogo’s wife, Diane, is in possession of some information or documents that may incriminate the officials who are being investigated,” he said.

“Diane Zogo and her children need protection, without which they may be silenced by officials who are currently under investigation for killing Zogo,” Djob added.

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Metro

Zambia: Expert warns of food security threat due to climate change

Published

3 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A prominent Zambian climate-smart agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has warned of a collapse of the county’s agricultural sector with a potential threat to food security due to the worsening impact of climate change.

Bulaya, who bared his mind in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Friday, warned that ignoring the crisis could lead to severe disruptions in the country’s food supply and economy.

“Unless concerted efforts are made, the country will continue facing dire consequences from climate change,” the expert noted.

He lamented a growing trend of farmers relocating to regions experiencing above-normal rainfall, such as the northern block, as they struggle with losses caused by climate variability.

Bulaya emphasized that the once-reliable rainfall areas like North-Western Zambia are now experiencing lower precipitation, as seen during the 2023/2024 farming season and cautioned that poor farming practices, which had already strained the Southern region, could lead to similar challenges in other parts of the country if proactive measures were not implemented.

Metro

Outrage over murder of Nigerian beaten to death by South Africans inside estate security office

Published

8 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian community, under the auspices of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has raised the alarm over the murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, who was beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate.

According to the association, Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on Saturday, December 7, while driving to his residence in Midrand Protea Estate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President-General of NICASA, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

Onyekwelu stated that information available to the association noted that after attempting to pass through, Chukwunta was met with resistance by the assailants, prompting him to seek help at the security office of the estate.

“At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound,” the PG said.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu also confirmed that the case was reported to the police by Chukwunta’s partner at the Midrand Police Station and was registered under file number 262/12/2024.

The NICASA President said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

“The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu however, expressed disappointment at the proceedings, wondering why three of the suspects were released on bail and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.