Katuta, lawmaker for Chiengi, detained by police for assaulting journalist

Police in Lusaka have formally arrested and charged Chiengi Member of Parliament, Given Katuta, for the offence of common assault.

The offence slapped on Ms Katuta is contrary to Section 247 of the Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia, according to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga.

“Emmasdale Police Station received a report bordering on Common Assault from a Times of Zambia Journalist Henry Chunza to the effect that, whilst on duty at Parliament, he was commonly Assaulted by Ms. Katuta” he said.

Hamoonga in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lusaka said this occurred on July 21, 2023 around 09:00 hours at Parliament building.

“Brief facts of the matter are that the Honourable was ordered by the Speaker out of the National Assembly after being suspended from the house for one week,” he said.

Hamoonga said that as she was going out, a journalist was taking pictures of her.

“This irritated her and she started screaming at the journalist, spat in the face of the journalist, manhandled him with the help of other members of parliament and later forced him to delete the pictures,” he said.

Hamoonga said among the Members of Parliament that the complainant identified was lawmaker for Chawama Constituency, Tasila Lungu.

He said said Police instituted investigations into the matter which calumniated in her arrest on Tuesday.

“The Suspect has been detained in custody waiting to meet the Police bond conditions before being released,” Hamoonga said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.