Post Newspapers Editor-in-Chief Fred M’membe who was this morning sentenced to four months imprisonment with hard labour has been taken to Lusaka Central Prison to begin serving his prison sentence.
His lawyers George Chisanga and Remmy Mainza struggled to get him out on bail pending appeal to the High Court. According to information received, Magistrate David Simusamba who is supposed to sign the bail has disappeared, leaving prison officers without an option but to send Mr. M’membe to Prison.
Mr. M’membe has been sentenced to four months imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty of contempt of court together with the Post Newspapers by Magistrate Simusamba.
Mr M’membe has also been sentenced to four months simple imprisonment on behalf of the Post Newspapers, after Magistrate David Simusamba set free Post Human Resources Director Rueben Phiri who was standing in for the Newspaper.
Passing sentence this morning, Magistrate Simusamba said Phiri could not be the right person to suffer for the Post. He said the sentences will run concurrently meaning Mr M’membe will only serve a four months jail term.
Magistrate Simusamba said the sentence is meant to reform Mr M’membe as well as to deter would be offenders.
QFM
Magistrate David Simusamba who is supposed to sign the bail has disappeared???? only pa zed..
deleted after 5 complaints
# 2 devina vulva
..you need to have your brain checked..you are not normal..seriously..im convinced you lack some serious amount of grey matter..
No. 2 you need your head examined properly!
WHERE TO MOTHER ZAMBIA???
#1 Kalaba.
Read law history anywhere in the world. This happens more often than you think! Membe offended against the bench and judges and magistrates like to show that people must have respect to their court rooms. This is one reason why the Magistrate deferred sentencing to Friday. It is a good ploy to make him go to njema for a weekend! The lawyers HAVE to find the Magistrate and show him the papers even if he is in the toilet! BUT, in case you think this is a conspiracy, the same happens if a warrant of arrest is issued to a man. The man must be found and served with the papers before he can be brought to court. Simple fact of law: No papers, no show. No show, no papers!
Good Evening
Nambala wanu, believe it or not, such things don’t only happen pa zed. Going by your Russian flag, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that worse things happen to controversial journalists right there.
Now back to my analysis of the story: since the magistrate is nowhere to be found, there is no possibility for bail. This means that justice has is standing still at the will of the magistrate. Isn’t justice delayed equivalent to justice denied? Lawyers out there, answers please…
# 6 THE SAINT
you have a point there..but that is not to rule out the fact that the govt might..and notice i use the word ‘might’ have pressed a fews buttons in making sure that this guys go in..taking of going in..im very disturbed by the comments im reading in # 2 devina vulva…im neither a fun of M’membe or the post but i..i dont think a person in his right mind can say the things this guy is saying.this guy really needs help.
Circus pa Zed.Appeal more Court cases leading no where.
Pardon me, I meant “justice is standing still” and not “justice has is standing still”.
:d:d:d:d These are serious jokes! The Magastraite has vanished? to where? Even if I dont agree with everything that Mmembe does, this is too cheap from the govt.
# 2 you are crazy ain`t you ?:-?
Mmembe wants to rule Zambians through the Post. He is ever organised every serving president. In 2008 he was locked at Kabwata police for deformation of late Presindent Mwanawasa. And please don’t implicate Judges whenever they sentence people who you favour remember on one is above the Law
Much as I know magistrates are human they are also stupid. The weekend sentencing is designed to give a lesson to someone they know hasn’t exhausted the legal processes and therefore will appeal. So before he appeals he should be taught a lesson. What kind of thinking is this from a man who is supposed to be protecting us from injustice! One day I will take over the nation and all such imbeciles will see what revenge can do.
I wont be beaten by LT’s silly censorship
Much as I know magistrates are human they are also s.t.u.p.i.d. The weekend sentencing is designed to give a lesson to someone they know hasn’t exhausted the legal processes and therefore will appeal. So before he appeals he should be taught a lesson. What kind of thinking is this from a man who is supposed to be protecting us from injustice! One day I will take over the nation and all such imbeciles will see what revenge can do.
I guess this will make m’membe more strong and mature. I hope he will be more tactful when dealing with state machinery. All the best in his appeal case and a nice weekend in prison. I love this guy m’membe, he has been a voice for the voiceless and equal to a full and operational opposition party ( He was so instrumental in thwarting ka Chiluba’s third term bid, thanks for that). Hope he wins at high court level. We need more m’membes in Zambia
There has being a sighting of Simusamba. Alesamba mu Kafue river
I stand to be corrected don’t you think M’membe has at times gone too far some times being a lawyer himself? looking at the way he was dressed he knew the hour has caught up with him. Let us not turn Zambia in to another animal farm there are alot of poor blocks serving time in Zambian jails and no one talks about them they may do with this kind of company.
I find it very annoying that Mmembe has not shown any remorse in this case. He has studied law at UNZA through evening classes and he understands what contempt of court entails. It is not a sad day for Zambian press as suggested by Mmembe’s lawyer Chisanga today; it’s in fact a good day to bring about responsible journalism. The judge did well to send Mmembe to the gallows because the moron thinks he is above the law. I like the way the Post has been reporting especially on matters of development and corruption; but at time the paper has gone overboard to the point of insulting the judicial system with its processes. This is not what investigatory journalism is all about. The law is clear, be it being spearheaded by the corrupt regime is another matter, but once one is found guilty of…
contempt of court should be held accountable; at least for once, Mmembe ought to show remorse. He has recently pointed at Chiluba and Ketele Kalumba that they have showed no remorse in the recent judgments.
#11. I know that it tickles some people to bring the Government into every issue because it gives some impression of false courage to denounce Rupiah Banda and his so called minions. But believe me, it is probably ordinary people who feel more injured by some of the innuendos the Post prints. You have to realise the newspaper has changed a great deal from the days of Mike Hall when you had a right of reply when the paper accussed you of something. Nowadays, the only letters printed in the Post are those which support the papers accusations. Owning such a popular paper gives one a lot of power. But the greatest wisdom is to know how to use power with restraint. I would guess that Fred has annoyed a lot of people on the bench.
My only fear is Fred getting eliminated! With what is going on Pa Zed this makes me shiver. Zambia heading for real thing. I dont know what is coming but things are looking bad. Once people dont have a voice,people getting killed eg,Mfumbwe(those two ran over by the car till now the son to the losing candidate is free),another one getting shot in the head by the Minister and till now the man is free. The police have been toothless.Now where do you think the people will run to if they are not getting any help??? Ofcourse you guessed right…taking the law in their own hands!! And Chiluba is having a party at State house right now.Friday njikata! Anyway, Zambians this is the time to rise and be counted!
But why shud musonda be let free? Shooting somebody shud be more serious than tha t. any way politicts in zambia are like that.
What if mmembe shot someone like musonda…..?Where would he have been?Mwamab
Now with a criminal record to his name, he can neither run for political office nor practice law. Nice touch, MMD!!
No one is above the law, M’membe is big headed and he thinks that he runs Zambia.
Members of the bench all over the world guard their court rooms jealously and this, they must. Membe as a Lawyer knows that. If these courts can become play grounds of fools then justice would have fled to bruitish beasts, and men would have lost their reasoning. It cannot be allowed to happen. Membe and The Post, offended against the court and not the President. This should not be forgotten. Some day, we will ALL need the court to act on our behalf and if we allow it to be impugned contemptuously by ‘powerful’ people, as individuals or organisations, we would be men most to be pitied!
Here is WIKIPEDIA:
“Contempt of court is a court order which, in the context of a court trial or hearing, declares a person or organization to have… been disrespectful of the court’s authority. Often referred to simply as “contempt”, such as a person “held in contempt”, it is the judge’s strongest power to impose sanctions for acts which disrupt the court’s normal process.
A finding of contempt of court may result from … publication of material deemed likely to jeopardize a fair trial. A judge may impose sanctions such as a fine or jail for someone found guilty of contempt of court…
…A person found in contempt of court is called a “contemnor.” To prove contempt, the prosecutor or complainant must prove the four elements of contempt:
1.Existence of a lawful order
2. The contemnor’s knowledge of the order
3. The contemnor’s ability to comply
4. The contemnor’s failure to comply
Woow so sad for Mmembe, well if this was a a judgement pure based on the interpretation of the Zambian law then i respect it now matter how much am a fun of Mmembe, but wouldnt be surprised if the Judgement was faxed from Rupiah Bandas office. Yes i know i have involved RB in this so save your breath from talking about it. But what can you expect from a govt of Kaponyas and illiterate people.
JUST FOUND OUT THAT SECRETATRY OF TOURISM AT THE ZAMBIAN HIGH COMMISSION IN CANADA DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE COLORS ON THE ZAMBIAN FLAG STAND FOR!!!! AND WE DEPEND ON THE PERSON TO PROMOTE ZAMBIA. WELL DONE MMD WE ARE LOOKING TO YOUR TO BOOST OUR TOURISM SECTOR AND MANY OTHER SECTORS THAT DRIVE AN ECONOMY
The Saint chi colour wikipedia is writing about zambian law or which law? The facts are clear to any investors out there – it’s a police state headed by a dictator so don’t put your money into Zambia. Musonda shoots someone in the head, he just goes to the pub to drink. Mmembe runs a proper newspaper, he goes to jail. No wonder the only investors are Chinese who enjoy shooting people before going to the pub
The Post has been indulging in gutter press stories that are disrespectful and sometimes down right insulting to both elders and the general public. We all agree that our politicians can be misguided, dishonest and dishonorable. They do need to be taken to task over such matters, but in a responsible manner. We should respect our own cultural values when challenging elders, however despicable their actions might be. The Post seems to think that cultural values are unimportant Their treatment of this story, this woman and the pictures thereof was more about sensational journalism than any concern for the human plight that she, and others like her, faced. The post talks about liberty, yet they fail to publish any comments that are critical of their articles on their website – hypocrites!
Simusamba your name is funny, you smell like your Chinese hules
This Human Rights issue is already being written up and marked by the US Embassy, Amnesty International etc. This government is so brainless they think they can just do things anyhow. And then selling the country to the Chinese and they think they are “winning investors”. I just hope RB doesn’t go down in history as the man who brought the first war to Zambia
Mr Phiri, even Western countries are busy trying to attract Chinese investors. Indeed Western countries are also desperate for their own firms to have a presence in mainland China. The facts on current economic trends and the emergence of China as an economic power are evident for all to see. Concentrate not on the nationality of the investor but on the economic and legislative environment in which they will be operating. I would suggest Zambia needs to improve on the later, not on selecting nationalities.
This is an outrage. Since when does anyone get more than a fine for contempt of courst.
4 months of hard labour? That’s an absurd sentence. And then the sentencing judge ‘disappears’. What is that all about?
This is an abuse of the courts by Rupiah Banda and the MMD. This is all about intimidating the press before the 2011 elections, which the MMD and Rupiah Banda fully intend to steal.
First political violence, then imprisoning journalists and editors of The Post.
poor Mr Mmembe lesa talekelesha abakwe he will save you from the shame:”>:”>:”>:”>:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
Dr Sony Ericsson Phiri: Use your brain and not your heart when it comes to matters of law. The very same attitude that ‘free-Membe’ bloggers are exhibiting here is the same attitude that you decry when you think that court has not interpreted the law properly. There is no doubt that The Post was in contempt, Membe did not deny that. His defence is that ‘ine nshaliko, naile kumabala boss.’ Th Mag rejected that defence and convicted him on proprietory liability. So stop fooling around and get the facts of the case doctor!
#31(Sony Ericsson Phiri)
Uli to lay sana wechipuba iwe.why have you chosen to be brainwashed by M’membe? Foolish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Now yo Boss is enjoying what he is good at:Yakumbuyo and I will not be surprised
if he refuses bail from jail cos of having multiple partners.
The magistrate whos supposed to sign the bail has vanished in thin air Hmmmmm. Am sorry but if mum, brothers and sisters weren’t still in Zambia i would denounced my citizenship of that God forsaken country. Better to be stateless than being a citizen of a banana state. It’s amazing how a potential murderer would be roaming the streets while innocent people are gracing prisons.
People will try to drag government in to this but we all know for a fact that M’membe had this coming his way and it is long over due no matter what any one says he is now a convict period let him have a nice time in jail this weekend.
#36 Mr K, Zambia follows English and Commonwealth law very closely. In the US a judge can send you to prison for contempt right there and then in court without a trial. You could even be held indefinately!
In UK the maximum custodial sentence is 2 years. In many cases, judges do let off people when they show remorse. Mr Kavindele for example. But when people think they are bigger than the court, they are shown the gail!
#39 Chikaipabewza since when did Fred’s sexuality become an issue? And what the heck is a baboon like you doing in the UK? Why is it that bigots like you dont boycott European countries like the UK because homosexuality here is permitted and is legal. Go back to baboon land and live with your fellow intolerant primates!
ubuteko buteko….
The Judiciary has done its honorable part its now in your ball you experts to Chiluwelize this maggot g.a.y. Ideal time, ideal space and ideal subject at hand.
#39 Chikaipabweza
You’ve been thrown a challenge by Princess, are you going back to your ‘christian’ squeaky clean nation and leave homos alone in Europe?
#42 The Saint you are a liar. There is no custodial sentence for contempt in the UK. The maximum sentence is a fine. In the USA you cannot be held in contempt of court for commenting on the merits or demerits of a case. It is normal in the States for people to comment on court cases even on television programmes. Contempt of court in the States only applies to unruly behaviour inside the court room. Americans respect the right of free speech because that is exactly what Muna Ndulo did in that Post article. The blind supporters of this RB regime should ask yourselves why the author of the article was not charged with contempt. Remember Mmembe did not write the said article. It was written by Muna Ndulo. Is the st’u.pi.d magistrate afraid of Ndulo. Monkeyland indeed!
No. 47 “There is no custodial sentence for contempt in the UK”
Your statement is factually untrue.
Membe is not only a journalist, he is also a lawyer by profession. as a lawyer he should have known better. look now that chap from the states didnt even bother to come to your aid, you are facing the music alone. hope you learn a lesson from this but knowing you they will be more s h i ty reporting. reflect on your actions.
Jatroph OK so who was in for contempt of court in the UK in the last 30 years pliz..?
atase. this is nonsensical. nobody respects a banana republic, just remember that. do you think people around the world will be saying “yes, good, the editor of the only independent newspaper in Zambia has been locked up maliciously on ridiculous charges, oweee what a civilised country Zambia is, UNIP oweeeee!!! tizapasa investimentiiiii!!!!” wake up and smell the coffee
Shame on the Rupiah govt. I can’t even imagine what they would have done if we truely had freedom of press. I mean if we had the Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity & Glen Beck pounding on the Rupiah adminstration every day. I guess that govt would hung it self. Shame on you.
Magistrate Simusamba is RB’s minion. Fred you will be vindicated, we support you mune
anyway check BBC web site, it doesn’t make Zambia look good…
iwe RB you won’t be presido for life, you will soon be trotting to the magistrate court
#47 Princess;
Thank you for your contribution. Here is the situation as I understand it. In the US, you can be cited for contempt if you go against what a judge orders. In Zambia, our laws mirror those of the UK. In the UK, the Contempt of Court Act 1981, treats as contempt of court any conduct tending to interfere with the course of justice, in particular legal proceedings and regardless of intent to do so. The penalty upon conviction is a fine, or up to 1 month in prison or both. On the issue of authorship, it is well understood in law that the publisher of an article is as liable as the author, unless so disclaimed.
This guy’s entry into Chimboz is long overdue. This is not the only time a complaint of contempt has been raised against him and I think courts have tried over the years to restrain themselves from sending him in, in the hope that he can stop by himself, but all in vain. The credibility of the courts has been at great risk with the kind of gutter journalism for a long time. He has simply not helped the courts and so they have been left with no choice but to protect themselves. I doubt even in the event of an appeal anything can change. We wait to see. Meantime, sorry, just wish you all the best in Chimboz!
Saint, you are lying about the US laws on contempt. Everyone has a right to comment on any ongoing case and express their opinion, as long as they are not a juror. Remember how OJ Simpson had been convicted by the Press even before the sentence had been read? That is why those on jury duty are not allowed to read newspapers or watch TV during the duration of the trial.
Coming to the matter at hand. This magistrate had it in for Membe right from the start. Therefore, his antics today were premeditated. And this is denying justice to someone who deserves it. Just because a lot of you niglets have issues with this man, you are willing to support something that is unacceptable! But it is done in other countries, you shout. Just because it is done in other countries does not make it right…
If Membe had a good lawyer, he would have won this case. The problem is that he did not deny that it was contemptuous, he denied responsibility! That is where the issue is. If that publication was shown to be part of discussion IN GOOD FAITH of the Chansa Kabwela affair and was a matter of general public interest, it could not have been treated as contemptuous. I believe that where there is no jury, it is easy to prove that there is no riskof prejudicing legal proceedings. I could argue that the Magistrate is unlikely to be swayed by public opinion.
he!! He !! We are enjoying the weekend. If you thought that prison was meant for FTJ, Regina,Katele, Chungu, and all you are wrong even those who advocate for others to go through hell they too go there, there is time allocated for all.
The law should not only be seen to be for others and not Fred. Hey !!! its cold but I m enjoying this weekeng I hope he will be married there.
Iyo ba Lawyer bafula. # 42, what USA are you discussing were they are can hold you indefinitely for contempt of court? Are you discussing those found to be at Guantanamo? They are held there indefinitely because they are not on US soil. In the USA it will never happen. The Judge will be out of work tomorrow if he did what you just said.
Coming to Simusamba, what are his office hours? What time did he leave his office and where did he go? If Simusamba left office before time, that is abuse of office and tardiness. In fact Simusamba is a coward. Judges of this kind are cadre judges.
After reading the Opinion piece Mmembe wrote, I think as Zambians, we are a let down to let Banda and his minions to ruin our freedoms. Today it is Mmembe, tomorrow it will be one of us or our families…
#57 Mr B.i.t.c.h.es
I am tired of defending this line. People keep referring to the US as though this is a model judiciary. 1. The US has different laws in different States. So do not take OJ’s case and extrapolate to the whole country. 2. There are contempt of court laws in the US and judges have muzzled the media on some occasions. The US at one time did suspend Habeas corpus! Today, the Homeland security act has stiffled lots of people’s civil liberties so stop talking as though the US is the model! It is not! I have no personal grudge against Membe, but my contention remains that Membe did NOT deny that The Post was contemptuous. His argument, that he cannot be liable for what happened in his absence may be accepted by the appeal court, but the Mag did not buy it FULL STOP!
This m’membe’s final paragragh which is very incouraging! ]
We bear no hatred or resentment for those that seek to crush us. But we shall continue to fight the excesses in which they engage. That is our contribution to our nation. Even if they succeeded in crushing us, we know that there are many other Zambians capable of making a contribution. No one is indispensable, not even ourselves.
The contempt of court charge as used in Zambia is dubious. Like it or not, the power distance between these magistrates and the executive is so high that most of them cannot resist pressure from the executive. This thing has political finger prints all over it and will not fly. I can guarantee that the high court, maybe supreme court will over turn this verdict. As for me, I am full of contempt for Zambian magistrates. The HC & SC does somewhat better but even they are not immune to corruption.
So guys, how come m’membe is gone to prison and the gun totting minister is still at home? Ba police you ba tiba nokos, go arrest that chap now! M’membe talks fot you lot whether you are paid or not. You, if you do not cage that animal now, then war is invetible. We will come to Zed and be guirella fighters like Jonas savimbi!!
Saint, my point was that you were wrong to state that one may not comment on an on going court case in the US. I did not make any assertions as to whether it is a model judiciary. And you have pointed out exceptions to the general rule on muzzling the media. They do have contempt laws in the US, but one is cited for contempt within the court room, not for actions outside of it. Indeed, a judge has virtually unlimited powers in his courtroom, and he may hold you indefinately. But this is just in the courtroom.
My main argument was that the Judge behaved in an unacceptable manner. His whole conduct has been quite shameful to say the least. As I said before, just because it is done in other countries does not make it right!
And as for his argument that he was on leave, I think that is a reasonable argument. An officer of a corporation can not be held responsible for actions outside his control, which is what any reasonable man would have concluded in this case. Is Mmembe supposed to watch over affairs of the company even when he is on leave? I think not. The ones who had to desprove that the article published were the Post Newspaper. But the Judge blurred the line between the company and the individual, which goes against all tenets of company law
#65 Mr B.i.t.c.h.es: Thank you for your civil contribution. In your initial contribution you accused me of lying and that is what I reacted to. Let me put it to you that in the US there is direct and indirect contempt. What you are talking about is ‘direct’ contempt. Indirect contempt in a country where there are millions of newspapers can be very difficult to enforce, when the publication is another jurisdiction.
# 61 Please be reminded that even if each state might have their own laws, the Federal Law supersede State Laws. Please. No one apart from you was referring to the US laws, but wrongly. No state law is there to contravene Federal Laws.
In fact referring to the US laws is even wrong because judges in US laws are really independent. Judges do not run away from work just to punish some news paper guy for political grand standing. Judges do not run away to score a political point on behalf of the frequent flier president who has proved to be a Village Tyrant.
This judgment will bite Banda in his behind. Zambians are watching. Mmembe is paying for our failure to put this tyrant Banda in check. It is sad to have a vindictive President and that in history has proved to have worked against the very tyrants. How did Mobutu, Amin, Mengistu, Obote, and others end?
#69 Kalos 2020
The thread started long ago, so I was just responding to those who say that this is only punished in Zambia. You may say that the President has something to do with this but you have no evidence. Membe was once imprisoned by the Speaker of parliament, again for contempt. It may be, that Zambians have so lost respect of institutions that they do not see the seriousness of contumacious behaviour. I am at pains here in showing that contempt is punishable anywhere in the world! What is different is what exactly constitutes ‘contempt.’ In our country, CAP 38 of our laws tells us what it is and this law goes as far back as 1965! Once again I say, Mr Membe did not contest contempt, he accepted that. He only denied responsibility!
A million dollars to anyone who can show an African president not labeled with Corruption,Killings,Theft or Nepotism or been in jail.
Africa the Dead continent.
Ati contempt of court! What a joke, just read the meaning of this low class magistrate: simusamba, indeed he doesnt bath, he stinks – what with the licking of where the sun dont shine. All of you blind supporters #43,#39#41#42 #45 etc wait for 2011 you’ll be taking tunsima for your nincompups in jails allover Zed.:d/
M’membe is a learned lawyer. He did not even write that article, the zed government is full of morons who are worshipping rupiah. Why all the excitement, this man is made of steel unlike those making s.t.u.p.i.d comments. He was jailed by Kaunda, Chiluba did it too and LPM (m.y.s.r.i.e.p.) was antagonised by Fred. Simasamba has scored own goal, this sentencing will backfire, by then ka brown envelope he got from rupia would be completely depleted. God is watching and so is the entire world. Rupia wa sebanya ziko yatu, just go back to harare.
Good debate between Mr B.i.t.ches and The Saint. Also Nine chale # 7, that’s an interesting observation u’ve made there. Earlier in the week , when he was charged ,people were saying that the Friday sentencing was a plan to limit his chances of getting bail before the weekend , and now the plot thickens when the magistrate becomes ‘conveniently’ unavailable after passing sentence.
……Mr. Mmembe may have broken the law of contempt , but he has not done anything immoral , so he is going to prison with a clear conscience. Though, if he’s been jailed before for contempt , this prison business is becoming a bit of an occupational hazard for Mr Mmembe..,but hey, that’s the sort of price you pay when you stand up for your beliefs and go against the establishment.
dont think m/membe will have have a hard time to adjust in jail going bty the rumors we heard in the past wink!wink…hope he doesnt abula TB airborne way elo Tyrone mu jele fresh meat…tsk…tsk elo lyanya…Aunt Tiwo where you at?
Let`s apply common sense- The bottom line is, whether or not Membe gave e a lame excuse, the magistrate should have been accessible to Membe, afterwards and responded to his bail request according to the law, whether to deny him or not, he should have referenced the law for his actions and not cowardly vanishing, remember membe has the right irrespective. What this magistrate did was ignore professionalism and go personal. It is sad that many seemingly legally adept bloggers are seeing this case only in the eyes of the magistrate. That magistrate needs to relinquish his office henceforth for abuse of office and wasting tax payers money by purposefully cutting his office hours.What would happen if Doctors became personal when attending to enemy patients? Remember that people loose…
respect for the law if they deem it impartial from past evidence, especially when used as a too to settle political scores. Yes the post might have changed but please tell us the alternative.
This whole thing sucks ! and by extension…………
I have lived in three different countries meaning that i have read newspapers by journalist in these countries i’ve lived.I must confess that the worst reporting is by Fred,he has no feeling for other people and the harm he causes to those that he falsely accuse like RB,even dogs know that he hates RB for reasons best known to himself.We know that he’s sponsored by some so called institutes in USA which makes his head to grow big.Fred writes for his masters who pay him and they are not Zambians.Democracy is not expressed by insults ,like someone has said in Zambia today for one to be seen to be differing with the government you have to show no respect.This is the culture which Fred Mmeebe with Sata have together formulated fourtunately Zambians have rejected it at the polls .
Fred must learn from now onwards that there is a thing called law which he must start respecting.I do not know what he studied at UNZA and who his lecturers were am pretty sure Sata was one of them and Winter Kabimba as the head of the department.He’s a replica of his bosses.
Yaya,
I wonder which three countries you have lived in. I am sure if you lived in civilized countries were there is freedom of speech and respect for the rule of law you wouldn’t find anything wrong with Fred Mmembe or the Post Newspaper. I also wonder if you ever pay attention to what RB and Govt controlled papers says about the Post Newspaper and their political opponents in general. Don’t you think they have a right to hit back?
Does it mean the ka Margistrate didnt have any work Friday arvo? Isnt this teh reason why we have a long list of cases on the back burner because margistrates abscond work. That Simusamba must be an ***** of the highest order.
It`s sad that we have supposedly educated people on this blog who are using their legal knowledge in a lopsided detrimental manner, instead of being the panacea of balanced judgement. I wonder how we can develop as a counrty with such poisoned minds. Beware zedians! we have haters, Spinning-Doctores masquarading as the wise men, yet full of deceiption. Too bad for zed, I wonder whether the sun will ever rise
Long over due, M’membe derseved more than 4 months. He is a worst editor Zambia will ever have. Icalo bapata abantu bamwena ku nkoko like M’membe.
Fred, when you come out, my arms are open. Come home to mama.
#79 Yaya
Would you kindly show us the insults Fred and the Post have heaped on RB,and to shame the devil,enlighten us on the same sponsors for whom Fred has been writting for and talking about news reporting,i believe you are in australia and if australia is one of the countries you claim to have widely read newspaper reporting as compared to the Post,i think you are totally lost.Rupert Murdoch,an australian,is the owner of FOX news,i think you should watch Sean Hannity and Bill O’reilly,then you would realise that the Post is nowhere near being bias,it stands for the truth and the voicelss like that woman who gave birth in the corridors at UTH.Without the Post would we have known that chiluba is a thief.Ever read the Age newspaper,Sydney Herald or indeed the Economist?
The truth will march on triumphantly.
For close to 20 years, I have written many editorial comments on various subjects.
But there is something special to me about today’s editorial comment. As I write this editorial comment this Thursday, I do so with the full expectation and knowledge that having been convicted for contempt of court yesterday, I will be given a custodial sentence tomorrow. I understand exactly what is happening and why it is happening.
Like every human being, I value my comfort, liberty and peace. But this does not stop me from being prepared to sacrifice my own comfort to advance the cause for the betterment of the lives of our people. Journalism is my chosen profession and through the pen, I will continue to fight what I see to be the injustices that bedevil our society today.
We have a great country. The good Lord has blessed it with abundant resources and a people who are good at heart. Our people deserve better than they get. Our governance system is skewed against the interests of the majority of our people who live in abject poverty and in many cases total deprivation. There is a silent majority of our people who know that things should not be this way and hope for a better tomorrow.
This tomorrow will not come if we all choose comfort over the need to struggle to improve our nation, to improve the lives of our people. Each one of us who is sincere is able to make a contribution. It does not need to be a huge contribution or even a heroic contribution, but just a contribution to the welfare of those around us is all we need.
No one in his right mind would like to be locked up in our prisons for any length of time. But if this is what it takes for me to contribute to the welfare of my fellow countrymen and women, so be it. In a strange way I accept it with relish.
It is not the first time that I am going to be locked up because of doing the work that I have chosen. Anyway, there are no lions in prison; only other human beings who for many complex reasons, including unemployment and the breakdown of social order in our country due to a failure of leadership, have ended up incarcerated. Knowing what I do, I will be among them tomorrow which is Friday.
As I write this Thursday, I have reviewed and reflected on whether The Post could have done things differently in relation to the Chansa Kabwela case. Yes, only an insolent opinionated arrogant person does not take time to reflect on their past actions, particularly if those actions have led to the kind of consequences that the Chansa Kabwela case has had.
The editors of this newspaper, my hardworking colleagues, faced a difficult challenge when they received those pictures of a woman giving birth on a pavement in the UTH grounds without the aid of doctors or nurses due to the strike that was then taking place. In the meantime, Rupiah Banda and his government were carrying on as if all was well. Rupiah could even afford to travel abroad to have his knee checked when the people he claims elected him could not receive basic medical services.
Those pictures epitomised the crisis that then engulfed the country. The Post and Chansa in particular did the right thing to bring that matter to the attention of the Vice-President and the minister for health. The Post did not publish those pictures. They were not publishable but the government…
They were not publishable but the government needed to know what was happening.
The comedy of errors in judgment that followed was amazing. Rupiah decided that what The Post had done amounted to distributing pornography. I will never understand what was pornographic about a woman being forced to give birth on a pavement in the UTH grounds.
The fact that Chalwe Mchenga, the Director of Public Prosecutions, decided to prosecute such a matter is nothing short of shameful. As Professor Muna Ndulo observed, the court was the last hope for any decency in this matter. Indeed the court redeemed the situation by acquitting Chansa.
Still, the state would like to punish somebody for Rupiah’s mistakes. And it seems I am their perfect candidate. But that does not bother me. I know that our people are more discerning than Rupiah and his minions would like to give them credit for.
They can see through this charade. But it won’t take them anywhere. We are determined to continue to work for our people as we have done all these years. We do not do what we do to be praised by anyone, let alone liked.
We do it because we believe it is the right thing. If doing the right thing takes us to jail, so be it. We will not stop to speak our minds and let our people know what is happening in our country. What is going to jail when others have paid a higher price to help their countries? Our own comfort is not the most important thing in this world.
There are things that are worth every sacrifice that we can make. Letting our people know the truth is one of those things for which every sacrifice which can be made should be made. It is only as our people know the truth about their country, their leaders, their resources that they can make informed decisions and contribute to the development of their country.
Those in power understand that once our people know exactly what they do in their name, they will not be able to abuse them anymore. This is why a free media is a threat to some people and they will do everything to crush it. This is why The Post is a threat to them and they will do everything to crush it. But I have no doubt in my mind that for as long as The Post continue to report the truth and inform our people, no amount of intimidation or harassment can defeat it. The truth will march on triumphantly.
To those that might feel discouraged by what is happening, I have a few words. No struggle worth fighting is without setbacks. The conviction of The Post and myself may be an irritating setback, but it is not a defeat.
Those of us who believe in what we do will continue to do it until we are vindicated because we shall be vindicated; of this we have no doubt. It may take one day, two days or twenty years, but we shall be vindicated because ours is a just struggle.
We bear no hatred or resentment for those that seek to crush us. But we shall continue to fight the excesses in which they engage. That is our contribution to our nation. Even if they succeeded in crushing us, we know that there are many other Zambians capable of making a contribution. No one is indispensable, not even ourselves.
Well and good if M’membe says he does’t mind leaving the comfort of his bed for the sake of what is going on in society let it be so mean while gentlemen let us enjoy a beer this weekend alot of people have passed through were he is why cry loud the people who he found in the inside are as human as any one else.
jinx popo – i may not agree with what you write BUT i would defend your right to write. with regards the woman pictured giving birth, if that were a person of standing you would have been sued for the embarrasment, but clearly zambia being an elitist country and that being reflected by your paper – you all saw nothing wrong with showing that woman without even attempting to blank her face. so whilst y’all were battlingin court about whether you were at fault or not, the post leadership lacked the empathy to at least shield the woman’s face.
Fred M`membe you are a great son of Zambia, the nation is with you. This megistrate Simumba has ruined his career. How can you convict a person on an assumption? Remember Rupiah Banda is nearing 80.
Whats happening,No Post online up to now
YAYA
Get out of my country.
Go back and support your Dogs.
Somehow i think you may never of listened to TalkBack radio in Australia.
STFU!
Ba #98..
naimwe bushe are you Zambian who has not known what transpired? The post send the pictures to influencial people in Govenment and civil societies. The Post did no publish the pictures in their paper!! What you saw on the net came from your GRZ so as to nail membe.
Coming to the issue at hand, I think the setence is unfaire in that there was an option of a fine. Always they start with a fine and if the convict fails to pay then he is jailed. But membe was given a jail option outrightly which makes it look like RB and his minions had a hand in the sentence. :)>-:)>-
# 86 Red Card-Smoothcriminal The writing style of Fred Mmeembe cannot compared to writers you have mentioned above ,Fred i feel is moved by some demonic powers ,he has well intended agenda and that is to bring civil strife to the country he has no heart for the country .I strongly feel he’s an insult to the intelligence of the Zambian people .Freedom without responsibility is recipe for lawlessness which Fred and his sponsors are busy implementing in Zambia.No one has ever stopped him from publishing the truth but not when it is selective to please his bwanas the Satanas and Guy Scotts of this world.This guy who is behind the bars is a danger to peace and security of the land if left unchecked .Let us differ on principle not because one has to impress questionable NGOs overseas .
The author of article which has sent the post editor to jail is a Professor in law.The article in question was well written and I honestly cannot understand why fred has ended up in jail.Democracywise we are taking giant steps backwards!
Fred M`membe WE ARE BEHIND U !! no matter how much ths useless government led by ths fool called bwezani tryz to silence us, we shall continue fighting for our freedom !! the people of ZAMBIA cant wait to vote ths useless government (mmd) out and vote the MIGHTY PACT INTO POWER!! VIVA PACT VIVA POST !!
#101 Skippy shut up who are you?Talk shows in this country are civilized ,debate is centred on facts not hatred like you lonely chap.I know you are affected by Mmeebe’s demons.The fact that you are in Australia does not make you possess divine wisdom ba guy imwe ,mulwisha fye like bonse what can you tell me?
Zambian JUDGES are Just full of S.H.I.T !! they are useless CHAPS !!
Yaya,
you said the Post and Fred in particular has insulted and tols lies about your president,show us those lies and insults.Actually RB is the one who lied that M’membe and the Post owe zambians 30million,up to now we havent heard anything
You feel he is driven by demons,have you experienced demonic powers yourself to know that M’membe has demons.Without m’membe and the post would we have known that chiluba stole,is this the civil strife you are referring to
Give us answers bwana,not just your oppinions
No. 107 i do not agree with you why is it that when a poor man is locked up no one insults the judges? No one is above the law so let let M’membe pay for his so called fight for society.
The PROPHECY OF TIME for everything shall live forever.whatever you say FOR or AGAINEST BO-FRED’S jailing Remember the prophecy of time for everything.TIME TO SOW THE SEED and TIME TO HARVEST WHAT ONE SOW.IF BA-FRED this seed of hatred he has to harvest it at one point.If it is the court justice or the Executive one of them will have to harvest it.so it is a vicious circle. No body is above the law of natural justice.
bane ze disappearance of ze judge is enough reason to conclude that grz has a hand in it. if as #6 has said that ze judge wanted membe to go in why disappear? he shud have waited for ze papers so that he rejects ze bail…but no he kudnt coz powers from high tod him not to grant bail and since he is a learned judge he knew that bail in such instances cant be denied he bolted and disappeared…its ok come monday mmembe is out!!!!….no amount of intimidation wil stop ze post from telin us wat u do in secret, hate or like them they ar ze only paper in zabia which is not compromised and ze only one which tels ze zambians ze evil that our politicians do….they failed wth zambian airways now they try ze contempt,which has no solid grounds just to be fair
Most of u M.o.ther. F.u.ck.er.s are commenting on this blog from fu.ck.in abroad. Ask yourself st.u.p.id. what u are doing in a foreign country and not Zed. Coz thing are F. ed up down there. Why coz the F***in polticians are F**kin jokers and dont take things seriously. Mmembe for all his shortcomings is among the few who have been trying to make them accountable so sanity for once can prevail in this country. Am wit a mzungu who is saying Zed is ajoke I wont accuse him of racism he is write going by the nonsense most of u F***kin jokers are spewing on this blog. Zambians incredible morons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it’s good to see so many of you upset. Wait till you lose the elections in 2011. Wake up you imbeciles. It’s a fact that MMD is here to stay. it’s economic grwoth, job creation, education and health policies are superior to those that you think that ka HH and PF can deliver.
Fred belongs in Jail. Not too long ago he wrote a nasty editorial on George Kunda. You don’t insult like that in African, nor in any other culture. God is a fair and just God.
Lastly, why arent you commenting on Fred’s imminent divorce. The ka Chap is divorcing.
Viva Simusamba, Viva.
We hope fred appeals so that the High Court makes it even worse.
Send him some KONVICT MUSIC
The Post editorials are challeging to those in authority , Fred has human being has weaknesses like we all do. But this case does not merit to send one to prison whilst some minister who actually shot a youth is free!
“113 Ba Ponyo ponyo RB is not the first African baboon to walk this path. The history of Africa is litered with i.d.i.o.ts like RB. But where are they today? It always ends in a very sad way. We will see RB’s final destination and I am sure that it will not be pretty. You do not jail people for expressing their opinions. We cant all be of the same opinions…because we are a diverse lot. And by the way why shouldnt any normal person hold this s.t.u.pid Simusamba in contempt? Is RB or his Police legitimate with regard to their behaviour. No sir the whole lot of these m.o.ro.ns should be despised and held in contempt. Do you think it is normal to jail people to induce them to respect you? My dear only a fellow baboon will agree with your rubbish!
Its interesting to see some of the heroworshipers upset like the universe has come crushing down on them. Be sober guys. Personally I think that its not for Simusamba to just sit and specifically wait for our convict friend’s lawyers to give him papers to sign before he can attend to other things, as I am sure he has a list of oher things to do and Membes was just one of those that added to the list. But I do think that Mmembe has a right to bail and appeal.So just two days in prison is not much. There are other human beings who are there and they have not died. So please take it easy as our convict friend will be out on Monday if they will manage.
But knowing his character he may not win the appear as he appears to lack restraint and may continue commenting even at appeal stage.
The editor has gone with the post online to jail. What is happening to the post you pipo?
Convicted Post Newspapers Editor in Chief Fred Mmembe is adjusting to his new jail life extremely well. He was this morning being shown the toilets, bathrooms that were refurbished by Convicted Former Press Aid Richard Sakala and Mbao. Convicted Post Editor Fred Mmembe was given the Do’s and Don’ts of jail life by the Captain Kashiwa Bulaya who had earlier on Friday afternoon received him with great enthusiasm. Meanwhile, it is likely the Magistrates Lunch break has been extended to Friday next week, just as what was happening in all prominent cases, it is unlikely he will be able to hear the Bail application on Monday as expected for even if he is back from Lunch on Friday the Prosecutor has gone on 3 months leave to his home village where he is busy harvesting his maize field.
A reliable source has told the Chimbokaila Evening Standard that the Magistrate and Prosecutor are merely following laid down procedure devised by the defunct Task Force on Corruption and Donor Community MOU which to date has not been changed. Source: Chimbokaila Evening Standard.
#116 CM Mmembe is not born of cowards like you. You dont get it do you? You cannot induce someone to respect you by jailing them. As a Public officer people will only respect you if you carry out your public duties in an impartial way. Respect is earned it is not forced. CM your primitiveness knows no bounds! That is why by the end of RB’s term the little that remains of dirty stinking Zambia will all be trash! By the way how many critics on FOX News Channel and rightwing talk radio has Obama jailed seeing that you are in the US? Or are you an illegal immigrant or some blood sucker at the ZAmbian embassy!
Ati “I am with a White man who is saying Zambia is facko”. Confessions of an individual with an inferior complex. Kuti waseka :d
Suppose the President pardoned Membe? mmm. That is a conundrum!
Those of you who for one reason or another have extalled the ‘civilisation’ of the western world basing on that premise to judge our justice system as backward merely because one Mmembe has broken the demands of the law according to our standards, have you forgotten that barely 100 yrs ago these same so called civilised societies denied the rights of Africans on account of their melamine excess, have you forgotten that barely 65 years ago these same civilised society were engaged in a genocide of unimaginable proportion what is termed ‘world war 2’, prior to another genocide termed ‘ world war 1’? Having said that, is it wrong to teach a lesson to a fairy that brings contempt to our courts, our justice system?
42 THE SAINT, ” #36 Mr K, Zambia follows English and Commonwealth law very closely. In the US a judge can send you to prison for contempt right there and then in court without a trial. You could even be held indefinately! ”
Only if you are protecting sources the court thinks are important to a case, and even then not indefinitely.
However, no one in the US or UK gets sentenced to hard labour for contempt of court, or anything else. Even perjury doesn’t warrant jail time.
(And I’m not talking about the criminal Bush Administration. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Powell, Yoo, etc. should really all be in prison, because they committed real crimes which caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.)
This is all about intimidating the press before the 2011 elections.
#26 Mwaba,
In theory, yes no one is above the law but in practice in Zambia people like Dr Musonda, Chris Chalwe, William Banda are untouchable.
I believe in press freedom but I have always warned that the unethical levels to which mmembe took the press in Zambia spelt doom for our freedom. Simply put, mmembe is costing us our freedom, period.
124 very interesting comments.
1. in USA the judge can lock you up without even a trial – you admire that?
2. if USA and UK had the option of prison with hard labour, they would use that option.
Press freedom should be considered sacrosanct. Do you guys honestly think we would know some of the things we are now debating about corruption if we only had the Zambia Daily Mail and the Times of Zambia? This is the reason why I respect the Post so much.
All i have to say is Don’t drop the soap or in your case u might like it.
Mmembe Li To Lay sana. We need to amend that piece of legislation to read 2 years imprisonment with hard labour so that we bring sanity to journalism.
Is this animal farm or reality? The mighty hand of Bupia Rwezani can clearly be seen in this “Errors of comedy”, where some animals are extremely equal than others. who will surely save us from this farm?
CALL ZAMBIA STATE HOUSE AT +260-211-260317/26 AND DEMAND THAT PRESIDENT BANDA MUST IMMEDIATELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY INSTRUCT POLICE TO RELEASE ZAMBIA’S POSTNEWSPAPER EDITOR FRED M’MEMBE FROM JAIL NOW.
– FOR ZAMBIANS LIVING OUTSIDE: CALL ZAMBIANS AMBASSADOR OR HIGH COMMISSIONER.
DEMAND THAT POST EDITOR FRED M’MEMBE MUST BE RELEASED FROM JAIL AND AS ZAMBIAN IN DIASPORA YOU ARE DISAPPOINTED WITH MMD GOVERNMENT BRUTAL ATTACKS AGAINST FREE SPEECH AND INDEPENDENT MEDIA.
– CALL ZAMBIA POLICE COMMISSIONER AND PRISONS AND DEMAND THAT ANY BRUTALITY AGAINST INNOCENT FRED M’MEMBE WHILE IN JAIL WILL BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED IN FUTURE. HE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
source zambianunion dot blogspot dot com
#128 Max
You confuse press freedom, i.e. freely gathering and disseminating NEWS, with what The Post and Membe in particular have been doing. They started well, but in the last 3 years, it has degenerated to editorial tirades against ‘persons.’ Put it the other way; in the Soviet Union, that is what Pravda (‘The truth’ sic) used to do. Week in and week out readers were treated to editorials denouncing ‘persons’ the state did not like. Please mwebantu, twapapata, we want The Post to dig deeper, yes, to report news, yes, BUT we don’t want ‘an individual’s personal opinions about certain people.’ How clearer can this be? Read newspapers in the west. Editorials are about issues not personalities. However, Membe could have a named column in his paper, where he can vent his spleen!
In that way, the casual reader understands that this is not ‘news’ but Mr Membe’s personal opinions. Just like Times of Zambia used to do with Kapelwa Musonda (although that was more satirical).
Take a look at the Zimbabwe Telegraph. This is an independent newspaper in a real tyrannical state. Look at the beauty of the news presentations, the reasoned editorials and without crass disrespect for authority. No matter how one looks at it, every story has a counter story. Membe prides himself in quoting the Bible again and again, but it is the same book that urges that one should hear the other side of the story too! It also commands that authority should be respected, ‘for the powers that be are ordained by God.’ If for e.g. Mpombo makes a statement, why not go to the other side and get a rebuttal so that the readers have the freedom to judge? That is what journalism is. What Membe is practising is politics and not journalism.
What a comedy of governance pa zed?Are we going to see change in the way things are handled?Hey we seem to be afraid of our leaders even if they make offenses.Why hasnt the police not arrested that Min of Health Deputy Minister?If it was an opposition member the whole police command could have been issuing statements in that regard.One day the truth will surely catch up with those that are entrusted with the instrument of power.M’membe be strong man and know that you one day you will be vindicated.you are the voice of the voiceless.
#132 – You have just answered my question because I want to talk to someone in the the so-called government of zambia to ask why the police cannot arrest that criminal and why was he carrying a gun. It goes to show that ka musonda is an armed robber. Imwe ba Saint you have nothing of essence – writing all that crap like you are intelligent. Why dont you just start to write a book. No-one is reading all what you put here, we just read the first line and skip. Chimbwi no plan.
The post helped raise mmd but now it`s convenient for mmd to erase the post. Before mmd the post did not cross the line but after, it now has. Well, lot`s of weird twisted minds on the blog. All media, the world over including the most acclaimed ones do go overboard; however, the public is the final arbiter, whether or not to buy the story and the establishment can only rebuff it but not necessarily gag the media. By the way we have the public media (the BIG 3) who despite being sponsored by public funds through taxes, are perpetually extolling the incumbent and dancing to their whims and wishes, instead of advancing the causes of the financiers; the public. The big 3 is the media that has failed the people and should be the right target for you propaganda guys-“the newly established…
-“the newly established venomous anti- post blogger movement.” Pls, grow out of yr hate. Once again, I wonder whether the sun `ll ever shine on mother zed.
Hei guys.
The courts are supposed to be fair to all Zambians.
Wrong is wrong whether done by a street kid, minister, or M’membe.
If M’membe goes against the law in the name of media freedom shall he not be punished because he has many noise makers around him?
By no means! No one is above the law, for we are all Zambians under the same law.
Is this the first contempt case to be handled by the zambian courts? No!
Is M’membe the first to be sentensed for contempt? No!
Then where, please make me understand, is the noise coming from?
Are the people crying foul not doing so in the name of ‘fairness’? Yes!
But that their perceived fairness only apply to the rich and famous?
Kajilo Muzungu drives through a crowd of poele and kill three children because his father has lost elections to the opposition,not arrested is free to freedom.
Dr. Solomon shots at an opposition cadre who is not armed, not arrested is free to freedom.
Fred Mmembe and The Post Paper sentenced to four months imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty of contempt.
Did you know that we are not going anywhere in Zambia but worst moments are yet to happen?God help us,i cry
It appears people have no understanding; let me enlighten some today:
The blood flowing through M’membe is the same as that flowing through a street kid in dirt rags; the same as that flowing through the person you call kaponya.
After all we are all people made by the same God Amighty breathing the same air; this same air in one minute is the chest of a street kid, and the other minute it is in M’membe’s chest, then back to kaponya in dirty clothes and later in the president’s mouth.
No one is more superior, and our fame will not change the life in us.
Therefore if people really wanted to be seeing fairness in our society, they should have been crying foul everyday for the street kid, the kaponya, and all the vulnerable who are jailed evryday, some for cases they did not even…
Viva a fair Zambia. Law must apply to everyone equally without partiality.
Who made M’membe more of a human being than a street kid. M’membe is the same as me, and I am the same as a street kid in dirty rags. We are equal; Viva courts of Law!
Poem by Martin Niemoller, 1892 – 1984
First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak out for me.
This poem epitomises the situation that MMembe finds himself in but only time will tell.
We are with you in spirit brother Fred Mmembe, as this time shall come to pass.
I was so glad when I read that Fred Mmembe had been locked up. I just hope he can mess up in there so that his caging can be extended to 2 years with hard labour. This bagger insulted me and my people in his ka propaganda paper. He thinks in runs Zambia. It is good that he has been locked up. This is Victory for victims like myself. Well done “Money B and Co.”
I do not feel sorry for him, his locking up has made my weekend, I just hope that this experience will make him learn his leason otherwise worse things will come to him.
140 Fine!, ” Hei guys. The courts are supposed to be fair to all Zambians. Wrong is wrong whether done by a street kid, minister, or M’membe. ”
Stop the cadreist nonsense. This is retribution against The Post, nothing less. If newspapers cannot speak their minds without going to jail, there is no democracy. A democracy depends on the having an informed public. Without free journalism, people are just told what to believe by whoever is in power at the time.
Fred M’membe and everyone else are entitled to say whatever they want in their editorials. So if you think it is right for the government to abuse the law to get back at anyone who challenges them, you do not want to live in a democracy.
The case this sentence was based on was a fraudulent case to begin with. (Cont’d…
The Chansa Kabwela ‘pornography’ trial was the brainchild of George Kunda, and was a legal fishing expedition to try and see what they could find against anyone, and this is the result.
There was no legal basis to bring a charge against Chansa Kabwela, and there is no excuse for giving a custodial sentence to Fred M’membe, let alone ‘had labour’.
It is an abuse of the law to go after anyone who does not toe the MMD party line.
This is the reason why there should be no anti-pornography laws, no anti-defamation laws, and why freedom of speech should be protected by the constitution.
So ordinary people are protected against twerps like George Kunda and their abuse and hatred of democracy.
# 145 Mmembelization. So yours is personal. We can discern where your spite is coming from. Remember, gabbage in gabbage out.
147 . MrK ,
I respect your opinion, and because I am wise I cannot call your opinion ‘nosense’.
It is very unwise for you to think it is only send if it muches your opinion.
Such tendency is highly underdeveloped, and only people who cannot offer any reasonable counter opinion resort to anger and insults.
I can only measure the democratic mind of someone by how well they accomodate other people’s opinions without being angered to an extent of name-calling and abussive language.
I believe that someone can only insult when their thinking capacity has hit the roof (reached maximum). And that is one way to tell someone level of thinking.
149 Fine!,
Well don’t take it personally, but someone is in jail for a misdemeanor, in a phoney case that failed, brought by politicians to silence the press.
That is an insult to everyone, and an insult to democracy itself.
So when you say ‘well no one is above the law’, that ticks me off. This is a blatant abuse of the law for political ends.
When you mistreat an innocent soul, you finally mistreat yourself. Akatanshi takalisha but akalekelesha kalalisha. Time will put the truth up!!! M`membe, we ar bhind you.
Mmembe, boma, ni boma dont mess|Good lesson for you,
if the man is strong – let him comment on another case in court and we shall see what he is made of!
IF THIS DOES NOT WORK NEXT ITS BURNING THE PRESS….THEY GET ANOTHER ONE . .WE BURN AGAIN.
M’membe is taking advantage of jurnalism and freedom of press and his so called Law degree and thinks everybody is stupid. Not the Law.
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