Metro

Choma resident, Chabota, knocks journalists for abusing freedom of speech

Published

7 months ago

May 21, 2024

A Choma resident, Sleddy Chabota, has spoken out against what he perceives as the abuse of freedom of speech by some journalists.

While acknowledging that journalists operate in a challenging environment, Chabota argued that those who face difficulties often do so because they violate the guiding laws.

In his analysis of media operations in Zambia, Chabota observed that some journalists and individuals misused their freedoms and then complain when they face legal consequences.

He stated that, like homes, countries have laws and guidelines that everyone must follow to maintain peace.

“Media freedom and freedom of expression exist in Zambia. The only challenge is that some people abuse freedom of speech and every nation has rules. When you follow the rules set by the government, you are on the safe side. But if you abuse freedom of speech, you end up saying the government is at fault,” Chabota told the Zambia Monitor in Choma.

Chabota highlighted that insulting people, including the President and elderly individuals, constituted an abuse of freedom of speech.

He stressed that journalists, tasked with carrying information to the public, must adhere to Zambian laws and promote peace.

When asked about media regulation, Chabota dismissed claims of over-regulation, labeling those who make such claims as selfish.

He argued that only individuals who cross the boundaries of freedom of speech assert that the media was overly regulated.

“The media is not over-regulated. Only selfish individuals say it is. Journalists must follow the laws and gather factual information, not hearsay. For example, some media reported that a footballer had died when it was not true. They did not verify the facts from the ground,” Chabota said.

Chabota’s views underscored the necessity of adhering to established laws and standards, which guide all individuals and professionals in their conduct.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

Click to comment

Metro

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

Published

8 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

13 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.