The state has entered a Nolle Prosequi in a case in which five Radio Mano journalists were accused of using insulting language against two Patriotic Front-PF officials.
Appearing before Kasama Resident Magistrate, Barthromel Kaongo today was Tobias Mangani, Patrick Kabwe, Henry Kangwa, Nzala Hangubo and Abigail Musonda who were alleged of using insulting language, Contrary to Section 179 Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Magistrate Kaongo told the court that the state discontinued the case in the interest of the public and the need to uphold press freedom.
Facts before the court are that on 9th November 2016, the five journalists jointly and whilst acting together used insulting language against Charles Kashishi and Yona Chishimba by calling them MWEMBWA MWE, MULI FIPUBA which is directly translated in English as a dog and useless person.
The five accused journalists who were slapped with two counts of using insulting language pleaded NOT GUILTY.
However, the state entered into a nolle Prosequi when the case came up for commencement of trial in the Kasama Magistrate Court today in the interest of the public and the need to uphold press freedom.
On 15TH November 2016, Police in Kasama rounded up Radio Mano news room staff for allegedly insulting ruling Patriotic Front officials.
Journalists Tobias Mangani, Henry Kangwa, Patrick Kabwe, Nzala Hangubo, and Abigail Musonda were arrested and slapped with two charges of using insulting language against two PF members of the now DISBANDED media committee, Yona Chishimba and Charles Kashishi and Northern Province vice chairperson Peter Mwansa.
The PF officials allegedly appeared on a free Radio program on Radio Mano accusing the journalists of being bias, unethical, corrupt and sympathetic to the opposition.
Matters came to a heat when the five journalists sought audience with the said officials after they had appeared on a Radio program with the police intervening by arresting the journalists after the trio of PF officials reported the matter.
The five journalists were released on police bond after spending over three hours in police cells.