DEAL WITH FAKE NEWS HANDLERS, IG TOLD

STATE House has prodded the Inspector-General of Police, Kakoma Kanganja to act decisively to deal with culprits behind the infamous fake news on social media.

This follows persistent publication of false statements issued in the name of State House, particularly under Amos Chanda’s designation as Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations.

In a statement released to the Daily Nation, Mr Chanda says State House believes legislation exists for police and ZICTA to be able to control what he terms a hideous crime.

“State institutions such as yours are therefore required to act decisively to forestall this rampaging criminal behaviour.

“The phenomenon of fake news and cyber bullying must be taken seriously by all stakeholders because in other jurisdictions these have led to such unfortunate incidents as suicide among vulnerable targets especially young people and women,” explains Mr. Chanda in a letter addressed to the Inspector General dated January 4th 2018.

Mr Chanda adds that he has formally given a statement to the criminal investigations unit for the Inspector General’s office.

It was noted that between the period towards the 2016 general elections and now, a number of false statements had been generated and issued in the name of Amos Chanda.

This, Mr Chanda said, sends several individuals and businesses into panic and distress, believing the announcements were official bulletins from the State House Press Office.