ZAF officers Probed
Thu, 25 Jan 2018 15:38:08 +0000
By PRINCE CHIBAWAH
POLICE have opened a docket against Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officers who allegedly abducted and tortured Daily Nation reporter, Michael Miyoba.
On January 15, 2018, Mr Miyoba was tortured by ZAF officers who were deployed to oversee the clean-up of Lusaka streets and markets, following a cholera outbreak in the city.
Mr Miyoba was abused and tortured by the servicemen despite having identified himself as a journalist.
One female officer pulled Mr Miyoba’s genitals before slapping him on the face.
The servicemen believed that the reporter had taken pictures of them while they were chasing vendors from the street when in fact he did not.
Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kampyongo, Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and MISA Zambia have condemned the ZAF officers’ behaviour and called upon the police to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.
Meanwhile, the Rainbow Party (RP) in Luapula has joined the list of stakeholders demanding the dismissal of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officers who abducted and tortured Mr Miyoba.
In an interview yesterday, RP provincial chairman, Reverend Bernard Chiwele said the ZAF officers’ conduct was unfortunate and must be condemned.
“As Rainbow Party in Luapula we strongly condemn the barbaric behaviour of the officers in question. We further urge the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and prosecute those found wanting.”