Linda Township Man Arrested Over Journalist Assault

A 40-year-old man from Linda Township in Lusaka has been arrested in connection with the assault of a Power FM Radio journalist, with police giving fresh assurances over the safety of members of the press.

The suspect, Stamina Moken, has been apprehended on a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. A manhunt is underway for other suspects believed to have been involved in the incident.

In a statement issued yesterday, Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the matter was reported at Linda Police Post on Sunday at around 18:00 hours by Alphonso Kasongo, 40, a journalist with Power FM Radio.

"He reported that he had been assaulted by unknown persons, resulting in injuries," Mr Chilabi said.

Preliminary investigations indicate that earlier that afternoon, at around 16:00 hours, Mr Kasongo had been assigned to cover a United Party for National Development (UPND) meeting in Munkolo Ward 15, Kanyama Constituency.

It is alleged that during the meeting, which was attended by several party supporters, unknown persons began throwing stones at attendees. Some individuals, believed to be party members, apprehended a man they suspected of being behind the disturbance and began assaulting him.

While Mr Kasongo was attempting to record the incident, some of those present allegedly turned on him, causing injuries.

Following the incident, the UPND leadership condemned the violence during a media briefing, stating that the party does not condone criminal behaviour and will not shield any member found to be involved.