Scribe’s torture ordeal regrettable, says minister

DEFENCE Minister, Davis Chama says that the abduction and torture of Daily Nation sports reporter, Michael Miyoba is regrettable and saddening if true.

Miyoba was recently attacked by four ZAF officers charged with the mandate to clearing vendors from Lusaka streets, for merely being found on the street as he went to board a bus home.

However, it is the manner of torture that he was subjected to that has raised consternation in the nation.

According to Miyoba, a female ZAF officer pulled his genitals not once or twice but four times as punishment.

And Mr Chama, who has been on sick leave said that the attack on the journalist was saddening if indeed true.

He told the Daily Nation that he looked forward to the outcome of the investigations since a docket had already been opened at the police station.

Mr Chama explained that he had not received an official report on the unfortunate incident since he had been on leave.

“I have just been reading about it in the media, I have not received an official report since I have been on leave. I am privy to information that some people are now taking advantage of the situation and also moving around in military uniform.

“I hear the matter has been taken up by the police, so let’s see what investigations will reveal,” he said.

Meanwhile, the media fraternity has condemned the attacks on Miyoba and opposition parties have also joined in the condemnation of the attack.

The Rainbow Party provincial party chairman, Reverend Bernard Chiwele condemned the four ZAF officers who abducted and tortured Daily Nation reporter, Miyoba recently.

“As Rainbow Party in Luapula we strongly condemned the barbaric behaviour of the officers in question. We further urged the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and prosecute those found wanting.”

Rev Chiwele also wondered why the ZAF Commander had remained mute over the matter.