Govt concerned about ongoing propaganda

By Joy Nyambe

Information and Media Permanent Secretary THABO KAWANA says it is unfortunate that the country has been preoccupied by deceit and propaganda.

This is in the wake of an audio recording that has gone viral, where Mr. KAWANA and Home Affairs Permanent Secretary DICKSON MATEMBO are heard discussing issues surrounding the abduction of Petauke Central Member of Parliament EMMANUEL BANDA.

Mr. KAWANA has clarified that he and Mr. MATEMBO did not meet the Petauke central lawmaker uninvited.

He said they were called by Mr. BANDA’s family that included his sister and Chief MUMBI of Petauke.

Speaking during a press briefing this afternoon, Mr. KAWANA said during the meeting, Mr. BANDA suggested they sign a Memorandum of Understanding in which he was ready to say the truth if all charges laid against him could be dropped.

He said the suggestion was not accepted as Mr. BANDA was at liberty to speak the truth since State House officials were mentioned in the abduction saga.

Mr. KAWANA added that even at Maina Soko Medical Centre, Mr. BANDA’s family begged government to keep him there as it was the only safe place for the parliamentarian.

Speaking at the same briefing, Mr. MATEMBO challenged the media to thoroughly investigate stories.

Mr. MATEMBO also said calls for him and Mr. KAWANA to resign, by certain sections, should be substantiated by facts.