Petauke based Journalist, Charles Banda, from Explorers FM was on 8th April 2023, harassed and assaulted by some suspected United Party for National Development cadres while at work.
Mr Banda confirmed the incidence to MISA Zambia through its Eastern Province monitor.
He said the cadres were led by Petauke District, UPND Information and Publicity Secretary, Mr Mwika.
He added that Mr Mwika had earlier called him, inviting him to follow the cadres to a named place citing that they had a news story which they wanted him to record.
Mr Banda refused to follow the cadres advising them to instead follow him to the radio station if they wanted his services.
The cadres who are believed to seven (7) in total followed Mr Banda to the radio station and dragged him outside the station and harassed him before threatening him to stop playing Hon. Emmanuel Banda’s song during the radio program dubbed “KODI MWAMVA”, a program which he said is sponsored by the MP.
The case was reported to Petauke Police.
And when contacted for a comment UPND Petauke District Information and Publicity Secretary, Mwika, refuted the allegations alleging that his group only went to the Radio Station to advice Mr Banda over his unprofessional conduct when on air.
He expressed disappointment in the manner in which Mr Banda was coordinating himself on air as he was openly engaging in active politics by openly campaigning for Petauke Central MP.
He further, described the allegations of assaulting Mr Banda as untrue.