Police probe Isoka FM fracas

SIMON MUNTEMBA writes WE have have launched investigations into the attacks on Isoka FM during a radio telephone interview with UPND, leader Hakainde Hichilema, Muchinga Police commissioner, Joel Njase has said. In a statement, Mr Njase confirmed having received a report on the matter and said it was being investigated. “We received the report and have launched investigations into the matter,” Mr Njase said. Mr Njase however said his office would soon issue a detailed statement on the matter.  Isoka FM’s programmed which featured Mr. Hichilema on Monday night this week is  reported to have been disrupted by suspected political party cadres. The station which temporarily stopped operations has resumed normal programming. The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Dora Siliya denounced the attack. At a press briefing in Lusaka, Ms Siliya said Government was deeply disturbed by interference in the programming by some radio station in Mpika and Chinsali districts, where some broadcast programmes have reportedly been disrupted and some unlawful directives ordered. She said Government wished to put it on record that there were laws in place with very specific provisions of who has Authority to regulate broadcasting in the country. She added that the IBA act provides for every citizen, whether in their formal or individual capacity who feels aggrieved by the conduct of the of any broadcasting station to lodge a complaint to IBA. “It is therefore total violation of the IBA act and an embarassment to Government and its leadership for any person to procure people to storm a radio station and disrupt its programming,” Ms Siliya said. The Sun