By Elias Munshya wa Munshya
Since 1991, Fred M’membe and his The Post Newspapers have been great custodians of Zambia’s press freedom. In fact, many of the scores that Zambia has attained in the democratic dispensation have been due to the courage of M’membe and his The Post. M’membe’s great work has undoubtedly ruffled many feathers and earned him enemies in high places. Since 1991, he has been a thorn in the flesh of many governments. His activities have led him to perhaps be the most powerful Zambian outside of politics and government. He lives in his own world and commands great power, the power of the pen. But as the old adage goes, “absolute power corrupts absolutely”. This maxim is true at all levels of human endeavour. Absolute power in politics corrupts absolutely and this is true for lawyers, churches, popes as well as the press. In the case of The Post, their commitment to truth and press freedom created lots of power for its Chief Editor M’membe, and this power if left unchecked had the potential to corrupt him absolutely. A great preacher of justice could easily become an evangelist of injustice, and this is what happened to one Fred M’membe.
All of Zambia’s presidents proved to be on match to M’membe. Kaunda tried to finish him but he could not. In the dying days of his presidency, it was The Weekly Post, as it was then, that led a press campaign against Kaunda.
[pullquote] But as the old adage goes, “absolute power corrupts absolutely”. This maxim is true at all levels of human endeavour. Absolute power in politics corrupts absolutely and this is true for lawyers, churches, popes as well as the press.[/pullquote]
During Chiluba’s presidency, Chiluba attempted to incarcerate M’membe but the courts came to his defence and he was acquitted on several occasions. On one occasion, The Post published a comparison between the military capabilities of Zambia and Angola. This obviously displeased Chiluba who swiftly charged M’membe with espionage. The courts promptly dismissed the case and let M’membe free. Additionally, Speaker Nabulyato charged M’membe with a draconian “contempt of parliament.” However, to parliament’s shock the High Court reversed the sentence declaring that Parliament unconstitutionally usurped judicial powers. The Post continued on their crusade against Chiluba, to the extent of fabricating a story that he was born in the Congo. To buttress this argument, The Post found a Mr. Kafupi who claimed to be Chiluba’s father. One of the Post’s edition in fact, carried two pictures one of Kafupi and another of Chiluba, which showed striking resemblances between the two. In a civil case involving Kafupi, the Supreme Court refused to subject Chiluba to a DNA test. It was Chief Justice Ernest Sakala who dissented against the majority and saw no problems with subjecting Chiluba to a DNA test. In spite of this, Chiluba failed to cage M’membe.
When Mwanawasa came to power, it was The Post that published stories of Mwanawasa being a cabbage. As a lesson in humility, Mwanawasa countered that charge and claimed that he, in fact, was a piece of steak. The Post, Edith Nawakwi and Dipak Patel were charged with defamation. The cabbage case was discontinued, however. Furthermore, in one of its editorials, The Post reserved some strong words for Mwanawasa, calling some of his actions stupid. The police quickly pounced on M’membe and remanded him at Kabwata Police. He, however, stood his ground and called for the High Court to strike down the law that criminalized presidential defamation. M’membe claimed that a stupid president should not hide his stupidity behind the cloth of presidential defamation. This case never went to court; it was withdrawn by Mwanawasa. The might of presidential powers were no match to cage M’membe. He was acquiring for himself real power and clout.
However, in the latter presidency of Mwanawasa, The Post made peace with the government and they became Mwanawasa’s greatest defenders. Levy succumbed to them by sanctioning the Nchitoic prosecutions of Chiluba and his lieutenants. The Post’s newly found friendship in Mwanawasa is also demonstrated in that the Managing Editor of the Post, Amos Malupenga, inadvertently became Mwanawasa’s personal biographer. Malupenga’s book, “Levy Patrick Mwanawasa: an incentive for posterity” was in fact born out of The Post’s profile articles of Mwanawasa and his family. During the Nchitoic prosecutions of Fredrick Chiluba and others, The Post upset Magistrate Chinyama, who banned them from his courtroom. At least in that case, The Post escaped without a sentence.
The Post working on its reputation as an invincible defender of press freedom and anti-corruption crusader seized on Banda’s support for Chiluba and quickly cast Banda as a dictator. Banda complained bitterly against M’membe, ironically calling him “morbid and peculiar”. Banda then made a huge mistake; he caused the Police to charge Chansa Kabwela with a pornography case. As the Kabwela case went to court, it was felt by many Zambians that the case had no merit and Kabwela would easily be acquitted. Picking on this, Professor Muna Ndulo an eminent legal academician, wrote an article in The Post where he accurately argued that Kabwela’s case was a comedy of errors. He quoted various authorities of law, both statute and common law, and reached a conclusion that Kabwela had no case to answer for the charges that she was facing. Ndulo’s article appeared at the time of Kabwela’s trial. Magistrate Kafunda, as the trying magistrate had problems with Ndulo’s article in The Post and allowed contempt proceedings to begin in his court. However, Kafunda’s contempt proceedings were stayed by the High Court and Judge Wood, ruled that Kafunda had irregularly commenced contempt charges.
Instead of letting the issue die, the prosecution, decided to commence the contempt proceedings in a regular fashion and brought it before Magistrate Simusamba. Simusamba was perhaps the only match for M’membe who arrogantly argued that the article, though contemptible, was justifiable. [pullquote]
It looks like from this case, we have learnt that while one can get away with insulting the Head of State, the Courts of Law however, are more vicious and would not allow any amount of contempt. [/pullquote] While being cross examined by Lusaka divisional chief prosecutor Mumbuna, M’membe turned the trial into a high school debate contest, mocking Mumbuna as a failure who failed to cross examine him.
Magistrate Simusamba obviously had other ideas about the case. He stood in solidarity with the trying magistrate Kafunda, and found that The Post and M’membe were criminally liable and slapped a custodial sentence on them. It was necessary to send M’membe to jail so as to help him reform. It still remains to be seen however, how and if at all, this particular convict will reform only after four months.
Zambian politicians could not cage M’membe, Kaunda tried but failed. Chiluba also tried and failed. Mwanawasa tried and lamentably failed. Banda has tried too, but failed. It looks like from this case, we have learnt that while one can get away with insulting the Head of State, the Courts of Law however, are more vicious and would not allow any amount of contempt. Contempt is alright only if it is the president you are dealing with, but contempt for court takes you to jail regardless of who you are. And Magistrate Simusamba has taught us that lesson.
He is where he belongs. he needed that for a change . . . ..
What exactly is your point or what are you trying to portray?
Mmembe is a “Prisoner of Conscience” as the story that The Post published was really a “Comedy of Errors” and nothing will change that.
The man will be out today and then let Rupiah Banda, FTJ Chiluba and their minions be warned that “mwapya baisa”.
Munshya wa Munshya can you explain why the author of the contemptous article in question was not cited? Is Simusamba afraid of Muna Ndulo? The comedy of errors article was authored by Muna Ndulo. In this article Prof Ndulo advised the govt that it was destroying its own democratic credentials if it went ahead with the prosecution of Chansa Kabwela. He pointed out the govt has destroyed its own case because to start with Rupia Banda went on a rant at the State House Press Conference calling for the arrest of Mmembe and have him prosecuted pornography. Ndulo went on to argue that even per Zambia’s pornography law it was difficult to see how this case could be argued as such. Nowhere in the article did Ndulo impune the court. Simusamba is just an *****ic tool.That is why he has absconded.
Elias Munshya wamushya, It is common knowledge that M’membe has appealed aginst his conviction and by you commenting on something that under the court it self is contemptuous, Muchenjele Bakamba imwe:-?:-?:-?
#1 waba each colour. M’membe did nothing wrong. Your days are numbered.
This article is one sided and i think you are just jerous of Mmebe.He has acheived what most of you piled together with your sponsers cant match.
For your own information Mmembe refused to be given an political position by Chiluba to make a difference in the country.
You The writer of this article you cant refuse,because even by writing this you want or you have even received something.Shame on you Fake reporters!You shall never go any where!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thats a walk in the park for Fred,seen that done that,He will be out today for your own information.Thats a comedy of errors for real:))
Double standards!! Why was Mulongoti’s contempt case handled differently? Serious test for the Judiciary!!
I agree with this analysis, 100%. Mmembe shld also take a re-look at self. He used his Post to run personal agendas against Presidents. I have no sympathy with their agenda on Chiluba, that Kafupi was dirty, so he deserved to be treated dirty. But Mwanawasa did not deserve it. He was better (not becoz he is dead). Banda is a sad case. He is a man that was brought from retirement at a farm. The man was in his last days, choosing a quite life, waiting to die. Then he is cataputed to the presidency! He totally has no idea(s) for this job. All he thinks is that he can be ceremonial. Zed is in “auto presidency”. This man needs to go. If he wont the Mmembes shld see to it. Mmembe, do yo 4 months & come and continue. Just be careful, they are desperate, they will hit back. May be harder next…
supporters of some of those people who are being sent to prison should examine facts before the open their mouths because you can not chase after your word once it comes out therefore making you look stupid in the end, do not hero worship a wrong , insults and hate you have never been to a country were there is war? And remember that no one is above the law and sorry to say but M’membe had this coming for a very long time he has crossed the line many a times even if he gets bail today the fact is that he meet his match and spent time inside as a convict.
What ever you can call him but it will not stop us and him from believing in the truth. He is a guy who has brought much light to Zambia. He is a guy as you have put it that he has fought, Buffaloes, Elephants, Lions all buy his pen. He took them by their horns if at all an Elephant and a Lion have one of horns. He has proven his history. What have you done your yourself Elias Munshya wa Munshya for Zambia? Even if you died to day, your name would die with you. Kafeleni uko mufuna kofela imwe imwe a Elias Munshya wa Munshya mungo vutika uku ku Zambia. . M’membe will be out today have the same courage to face him if you are not going to peas. Chachine it will wapya baisa. M’membe can appeal this case as far as the international court of justice.
Anybody with an idea why we cant access the Post Zambia.net online maybe they were also contemptuous?:-?:-?:-?:-?:-?
Any sane human being with the least amount of grey matter in their skull would realise that incarcerating M’Membe for publishing Muna Ndulo’s Comedy of Errors is a very foolish verdict indict that would come back to bite both the MMD and and rotten judiciary in the backside. M’Membe is now a prisoner of conscious and I would not be suprised if the Pact fields him as the presidential candidate. At least for him you know thieves will all be locked up and the bench will be purged of corrupt elements whose only job is to kiss the stinking Kansundila backside.
What I’m concerned about is the amount of effort to cage M’membe….Ministers are busy shooting people and they can still be left free to enjoy a whiskey at the golf club….
ZAMBIA NEEDS MORE M’MEMBES. As Sata said RB is very dull. By jailing him he is justing weakening himself and making M’membe a stronger character. M’membe is one character who has worked hard for his and other Zambians life-he’s a mouthpiece for the poor and an employer, too.
Munshya wa Munshya your analysis is useless and uncalled for—You are very aware that this is politically motivated for some useless politicians who do not care about us—You should know that some leaders like Nixon of the USA were completely finished by the press and Someone should watch out as we speak more of the truth—I totally agree with Professor Ndulo and M’membe’s conviction will not change reality–We keep on crying for our mother zambia
#12 the post is back online-check it out—Press freedom continues even under difficult conditions
“A great preacher of justice could easily become an evangelist of injustice, and this is what happened to one Fred M’membe.” This statement is utterly prejudiced and nonsensical. Can the author give even one example of Fred advocating injustice against anyone?
Mr. M’membe’s power derives simply from the fact that in his public and professional activity, he has deliberately and actively defended what is right and the rule of law and has consistently spoken for the undertrodden and voiceless majority of this country. Unsurprisingly, the criminal scum of this land did not like being exposed and have hated him with a passion. LPM was an honest man and a leader with integrity. That’s how come he finally worked with The Post harmoniously.
The pact is in full swing..aim remove MMD, thing can only get better to worse for the majority zambians..Dont be hoodwinked by those supportng MMD, they are defending their stomachs
I totally agree with you #11. I think each one of us Zambians should sit down and reflect on how much contribution we have made to making our country a better place. There a lot of us in and out side out country who are very big cowards and because of that we have allowed BAD BAD things happpening to the very poor simply because we are scared of the jele. Here is this man Mr. M’membe … he may not even be as gifted as some of us but he has given himself to the cause of helping changing our country to be a better place. My question to you all is what are you doing for your mother land? Stealing from the poor?
WHAT WILL ZAMBIA OR THE WORLD REMEMBER YOU FOR??? WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE YOU MADE TO THE BETTERMENT OF OUR SOCIETY?? Are you just enjoying quietly with your family and becoming bigger and heavier while the majority of Zambians suffer in poverty and destitution?
ifi, fyamatotoli mwebantu bakwa Lesa, muno chalo ubupupa ebwafula……u jail M’member, the what….these morons!
This is what is ridiculous about our media; lack of objectivity. The article that a fellow journalist is being tried for was an opinion piece, one which any sane democracy-respecting person would look at and take from what he/she chooses, yet here we have a story bent on portraying the victim in a negative light. We have a judiciary system weakened by politics and judges that see it as way to feed their children more than a means to protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens. The precedence that these convictions set is one we need worry about or in effect we accept our courts being used as machines for eliminating opposition and transparency. This is what we need to fight against as Zambians. This ‘quick buck’ culture is costing us a prosperous future for our kids.
RB and his minions are just making M’membe more popular than he already is. The Chansa Kabwela case was a waste of the court’s time so is this contempt case. And the article is a govt one so its a waste of internet space.
M’membe has been fighting injustice and RB should see that.MMD is becoming unpopular by the day due to their foolish actions!
Making a small godess in M’membe, rubbish thinking. No one is above the law and M’membe met his much for sure.
I don’t understand the point the author of this article is trying portray. And by the way you say all the other judges somehow favoured him and this judge is his match, the case hasn’t finished as he has appealed.
RB and his minions are just making M’membe more popular than he already is. Dr Musonda a criminal is out there enjoying. RB should not think that Zambians cant see between lines. Remember power belongs to the people.
Is Mr Munshya a journalist? If he is, I feel he should be in solidarity with with his fellow journalist who is in trouble and not villify him, regardless.Is this one of the Chanda Chimba articles that we have been told about?
#20, 21; You have asked very pertinent questions that should cause us to do some soul searching.
The article has briefly described what M’membe & The Post stand for but i do not agree with the author that M’membe has become powerful,he simply values his freedom and is not afraid to face issues head on. Ever since the times of the Weekly Post & now The Post,M’membe & The Post have shown that they a true example of what the press should be about,The Post moves with time.
Yes,Zambian people don’t want to change with time & that’s why often The Post has been caught up tales which are in conflict with the ”Zambian culture” and that’s all otherwise M’membe & The Post are a true definition of Freedom of speech & a free press.I also agree that Zambia needs to get rid of the law of ‘defamation against the President & Presidency’ even monarchies do not have such laws.
shallow piece…cant understand the essence of the appeal…and pretty much about the alpha and omega of this persecution. Mr author, go back to the drawing board!
This article is not making any sence. Please give us something worth the salt.
SHALLOW INDEED- What match has he met?
The making of Fred M’membe. Can’t make sense out of this article, whether it iz going or coming.
Munshya Wa Munshya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ifyabupubafye ata se Mu Zambia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The South African National Editors Forum condems the jail sentence for Zambia editor Fred M’membe, who has been charged with contempt of court. M’membe is the editor of The Post, Zambia’s most popular newspaper. He has been sentenced to four months in prison with hard labour, a sentence Sanef believes is severe. The charge stems from an article published in The Post about an earlier trial of the newspaper’s news editor, Chansa Kabwela. Kabwela tried to highlight the effects of a strike by hospital staff by sending a picture to health officials of a woman who was rejected by the hosptial and gave birth on the street. Sanef fears this sentence could lead to anti-free-speech conduct against the media in our neighbouring countries
Never seen a shallow article like this one.
Ba Munshay kalelenifye ngatamukwete ifyakulemba
FACT Mmembe is not above the law and now he thinks its vuctimisation…thats just bole…………:-?
I was almost making the same conclusion about post and me’mbe especially with the way they portrayed mwanawasa( in his early days) and in the manner they sprung up to support magande just after levy’s death. but looking at they way things are going, i can make a good guess that the post had unconfirmed information about who RB’s sponsors were (Thieves). this is smilar information they had about Mwanawasa’s sponsor (same thieves). but unlike RB, levy repented and disassociate himself with these thieves, thus made peace with the post.
You have just made him more powerful, popular and aggressive. He will be out today on bail like Katele and Regina. VIVA POST! VIVAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Zambia,whilst other countries are making huge economic strides and creating developmental programs,your RB and MMD are busy pursuing kindergatten hatred agendas against their own people.This is UNIP part two,in the UNIP days,opponents of the state were harrassed and imprisoned over frivolous matters.We now seeing the return of such-we saw them pursue Sata,now HH,Membe,etc.
I agree ba munshya, this chap has almost become a semi-God in zambia.We know, at which alter he worships.
The truth will set you free. These are the trials and tribulations of membe. Our GOD is great. The GOD of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. Read the bible gentlemen and see how this situation will come to pass. GOD DOES NOT THINK LIKE HUMANS. JUST WATCH THIS SPACE.
The post has turned itself into a PF UPND propaganda paper. What morals if any has the journalists at the post have let alone its Mmembe a cheap journalist/Lawyer who bought his qualilifications. It is only right for Mmembe to insult and grab other poeples wives yet if others do the same he comes out as if he is an angel who is very clean. He only reports favourlably for those he eats with. If you dont share with Mmembe your corrupt earni9ngs, you will be reported in his post newspaper purpoting that he has uncovered a scam yet its sour greps. MMEMBE HAS NO MORALS. GOD PLEASE TAKE HIM AWAY FROM US.
It is very difficult to debate Fred. We all have our own (mis)-perceptions about him. Is it possible to, as the old of old would say ‘separate the message from the messenger”? Being what we are, human, it is very difficult. I have said here before that I am not fan of Fred 100%, but give the guy credit, he has, as the author rightly admitted, played a very significant role in developing a press freedom. And like all freedoms, they are earned with toil and sweat, and in some cases with blood. The question the arthur posed was had Mmembe become too powerful? If so, who is afraid of that power?
M’membe ni car chi colour fye naimwe! why idolize such a kama boy with utu ma toll lay utunono?
Contempt is contempt regardless….Even though Munshya’s article is not elaborate on the sentencing.
One thing we should all be analysing is the manner of the contempt and what led to it. If Fred as Editor agreed to publish a contemptious article that in the view of the judiciary was likely to prejudice an ongoing trial, it is only fair for the court to show him that its not done. This is so even in the US were the Proffessor who originated the article is based and I don’t think he would do that there. Lets give respect where its due. Peace
Hahahaha can you believe RB has gone on another holiday only 2 days after another one in France,
Nakabalika, u r spot on. Why does everything have to be political? People are refusing logic just so they can support their political beliefs. Judiciary is judiciary. Sata himself had several times taken the Post to court for defamatory and other matters. You all remember how just after Sata lost how PF cadres almost burnt down the Post offices. U remember, unless u choose to selectively forget how the Post promised to never report on Sata after which many pipo asked Sata to apologise, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Meembe is only popular bcoz he’s supporting PF and Sata. Let him report the so called truth about PF that u r saying he reports and the reverse of these posting will happen. Elo ba PF muli bansele kuti mwa katuka ichinechine!!
So nangu mulande, just support the…
I have found your article quite interesting & informative ba Elias Munshya. In my own opinion, its a well written piece. Keep writing & keep focussed.
Continued from #49, just support the guy bcoz u want to not discreting the sanctity of the courts jst bcoz the offender is a PF supporter.
#48 Msana wanzili, you r educated and knowledgeable enough to know that the France trip was not a holiday. Mulekula bane. They say growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.. I can now see how true that saying is. DOn’t tell me that when Fr Bwalya bcomes president he’ll never travel. Presidency has duties that require travelling. When RB went to France, a lot of presidents were in attendance.
Please grow up.
No substance to the article. It seems to me like Fred believes in freedom and communication while most people are just gutless, lazy and allow themselves to be trampled
@Number 1, you suck and your opinion sucks……….Free M’membe.
Our judiciary is under attack,it must be saved ASAP
#48, hahahahaha and from Mfuwe he going to SA for the WC.
The day fred went to jail, RB has lost all of his hope the elections 2011. RB is a Dictator.
R.B needs to learn to play chess. What were you thinking? here comes international pressure and donors cut aid.
Guys, enough is enough, if M’membe was not wrong our able courts could not have put him behind. Are we saying its only you and me who are supposed to be caged? because we are voiceless? NO NO NO NO NO GUYS lets be seen to be KEEN about the whole issue!!! The chap in question has no morals, all he wants is to win sympathy from us guys who cheats trhu his negative reporting on the current governments always….look at how he reported about Kaunda, and Mwanawasa, it was all negative but now the same have become heroics. By then Chiluba was a god. Now it is the RB regime, one wonders what he wil write about him if he proves worthwhile. His reporting is always sensational so that his paper can be bought by the KEEN buyers……..just like most of you on this forum. Well for me he deserved more
Imwe plz coz Fred is a PF cadre then he should do away with the law are you sure? why didnt we have public out cry over his arrest? the fact remains they as a paper (post) COMMITTED CONTEMPT! so what next…..yes we agree the case was a comedy of errors but that does not mean he should comment on the case when its in court. Can you imagine if the court losses this issue then everyone will comment on court cases…..grow up ba PF cadres you should know when a right is right not because it supports ur side of ur coin.
Vivi M’membe, Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe.Vivi M’membe…
Personally what I have learnt and wish all Zambians could learn is that Zambia is our country, we all cant stand by and watch leaders take advantage of us. Everything that Mmembe saw we all saw, the same way that we can now see how incompetent our leader is but no one is doing anything. I am beyond shocked that after the Post highlighted Chiluba’s theft, no single Zambian is demonstrating or at least publicly show your support for the Post. If it is being afraid, Kushishita or what we have taken this to a whole new level!
It is really difficult to seprate the imprisonment of membe from politics because this whole circus started as a result of political rhetoric by one RB.So for those trying to seprate this case from politics my advise to you is you are being myopic.Some politician so phonography in the distress of child birth and was all in arms against the media without understanidng what was going on.For those who say RB is very mature in politics all this case started as result of his political immaturity.Calling a press conference and attacking young people who are trying to move the country forward without shame,.By the way don’t forget that George was acting president when this circus started so he has a huge role to play in this circus.All we need are clowns with big red noses and big shoes to ice…
#54 Hahahahahahaha….From WC he is going to his farm to harvest the maize and then attend the REED Dance in Swaziland!!!!!!!!…. and by the time he comes back, it will be PAY DAY … Heaven on earth indeed…….. but only temporarily as the PACT await their turn.**==**==**==**==**==**==
Picking up my line from #49, I wish to add that if RB and his predecessors were to make Fred powerless and ineffective, all they needed to do was to REMOVE ALL INCENTIVES FOR DIGGING DEEPER BY telling the truth, eschewing corruption and stealing and promoting virtues of hard work and decency at the highest level. It doesn’t matter who is in state house, as long as the vices above are present, the Post will sharpe the national conversation.
Watch out for this guy……. he is gonna be President of Zambia one day!!!!!!! Who thought Kafupi could sleep in State House for 10 years……l-)l-)
Munshya wa Munshya,Congolese Ka? Prof. Muna Ndulo whom you don’t even know coz you are shallow minded is the one who authored the article a commedy of errors:the chansa kabwela case which you didn’t even read coz of your pettiness. Mr M’membe whose position at the Post you don’t even know published the artical which was more analytical. Simusamba jailed m’membe and Chinyama aquitted Chiluba,get the sense out of this nonsense.the pact was launched successfully,wapya baisa.
RB is no match for M’membe. M’membe is a man who works for his country while RB has done nothing except marry father children in his old age.
Thats what happens when someone thinks he above the law, Membe deserves this. Why are you complaining, this is justice. Hate or love, thats where he belongs. Go **** yoself it’s hurts you!
Membe thinks he is the pope in the vatican and wants to make everyone to be his cardinal. **** him.
This is all Chiluba’s dealings. Lesa nimalyotola.
Thats what happens when someone thinks he above the law, Membe deserves this. Why are you complaining, this is justice. Hate or love, thats where he belongs. Go **** yoself it’s hurts you!
you cant put a good man down……..
Mmembe has been a lone voice for far too long in Zambia talking on behalf of those on the side of honesty, justice, hardwork and fairplay. We’ve too many failures these days. Instead of builders, we’ve a lot who pull down the few who’re trying. When will we ever learn?
Mmembe has just been granted bail….
Vatican Bauze!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When a man is conceived the idea and believes he can do it..he can. this is what the hunters for Mwembe desired and have done it.
Nevertheless, for the wicked it might seem to be a sucess but the time is coming>>> when the wicked shall be trapped in his snare.
“It is just a matter of time”
It can not be denied that the post is the greatest democratic institution currently that is speaking for the poor and keeping the president on his toes in addition to the PF and the UPND .Undoubtedly without the post Zambia is doomed. I shudder to think of what can happen with this group of bandits if the Post was not there to expose what they have done. No journalist currently can measure up to one man called Fred M membe the guy is a metal, I salute and admire this man greatly. We can not expect to be told the truth by Times of Zambia ZNBC, they have failed us.
No justice for the innocent like M’membe, maximum leniency for thieves like kafupi. kabasamwe, we will release mumembe by using prologative of mercy in 2011 and instruct the court to apprehend Kafupi and Rupiyah insteady. watch out for the pact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mweembe is a voice of the poor, the voice of the speechless, we can liken him to Paul….in the bible… when Paul PRAYED whilst in prison there was a great earthquake that shook the who nation destroying the prison. subsequently all prisoners walked to freedom….
Barvo Mweembe. we are praying for you God IS IN CONTROL. you are a hero of heroes in this Nation. you have faught for the unjust, you have exumed the dirty under the capert. you have brought those wicked persons to light. you are galant fighter…….God bless youyou will be rewarded in heaven not by men of this world.
go mweembe go changelife zambia….fight for the poor your glory is above
I dont really understand what the writer is trying portray. He/she was in a hurry to post the article. Some of the important events are not even included in the article.
Bwana do another article.
All in all M’membe is a hero, a modern freedom fighter.
Sham, shallow, irrelevant journalism. Blind, groundless approbation for law breakers masked behind “pro freedom of the press champs”- is pathetic.
Why is it such a hard thing to grasp the fact that no one is allowed to interfere with any ongoing judicial proceedings? Because corrective action is taken against the culprits, then its an infringement on “press freedom? Alas!
If you commit the crime- against our laws, you do the time! Its simple.
well written piece of work. well done.
Mmembe needs to be saluted for his work and achievments. He has fought all presido’s when they messed up but praised them when they did well. FRED OLI MUKALI. Ba fi colour won’t pin him down
Good piece of writing! Its a reminder for people to stop breaking the law at will. We will wait to see how this Newspaper will now behave. Will they attempt to publish anything about this case or not at appeal stage? If they will not, then they will have learnt a lesson.
RB is not involved leave, him alone. #76 Mmembe will never be a hero with his pathetic journalism which if un checked will put this country on fire. The I.D.I.O.T needs abit of disciplining.
The problem we have is because of lack of integrity and objectivity in the state media, The people have questions on key national issues but everything is being rubbished. The country will only develop if the media took it rightful position by exposing the ills in the running of Government as oppossed to hero worshiping leaders. The Auditor General has brought serious financial irregularities but the state media is busy trying to twist facts. Let us acknowledge our weaknesses before we start praising our selves. Even the so called Audit Committees are toothless.
This article is absolute crap! I mean, how can someone in his right mind go about writing such nonsense. Anyway, we know that LT Editor-in-Thief, Senior Citizen, is at it again. This is the MMD stinky mouth piece.
Please forgive me. I didn’t know what I was doing. Infact that’s not even my real name. I’m Chanda Chiimba. Balandishamo mwebantu. Rent, school fees, food, kamotoka and other bills, what can I do?
The post is not a newspaper, it does not qualify to be.
It is just supposed to be called ‘the post magazine”.
A magazine can have any type of content, but a newspaper is supposed to have facts for its contents.
So why call the post a newspaper when, in fact, it is merely a collection of M’membe’s opinions and those of his surbodinates.
For a nespaper there is only one section for opinion and not the who print as the post normally is.
Munshya wa Munshya ok, You are forgiven. Dont ever write such a stupid and senseless article in future.
Elias Munshya wa Munshya most of your articles are narrow minded, with little sense and to some extent unpatriotic.
How do you support politicians whose only interest is steal and plunder national resources? Where are you based? You write like you have never lived in Zambian. Have you seen the conditions of schools colleges, universities, hospitals, clinics, roads in Zambia? despite the fact that we have never been to war, our streets in Lusaka and copperbelt are like there is no functioning government. To you Munshya this does not bother you.
The problem with people like you is that you is that you feel jealous against successful Zambians, you would rather see indians do well. Can you be honest to your self, without t Post & M`membe, what sort of country would be Zambia today?
So, what are you trying to say??? this article is so shallow and has no substance…
The arrest of Mnembe on its own was the comedy of errors too.i mean if judge wood did not find chansa kabwela with the case to answer,why then arrest Mnembe when the court dismissed this case???? Indeed the law sucks at times.”The arrest of Mnembe is another commedy of Errors”:-?
Some people are really cowards.Hence they say bad about Membe whose simply highlighting issues that RB must address. Hence hiding by using e-mails because they benefit. PACT has come, you’re coming back home if RB gave you a post. Prepare!!! Taimu will tell, pack!
Shame on writers who are bootlickers in Times of Bootlickers, Daily rubbish mail, and ZED NI BEE SEE.
Munshya should be very dull. Yes we know that the economy is biting but writing such nonsense can not encouraged. There are better ways in which you can earn a living bo Munsha. If you are realistic, Prof. Ndulo pointed out that the article in question was a opinion of the aurthur. No professional magistrate will convict the accused basing his findings on the opinion of someone. Courts deal with facts. To insinuate that Simusamba did not error is totally misplaced. Like #8 said we had a case of Mulongoti who uttered words which are even seriuos as it boardered on court proceedings involving George Mpombo in Ndola. What was the verdict when Mulongoti was summoned to appear before the court? Are we saying that the interpretation of contempt of court in Lusaka is diferrent from Ndola?
How many of guys know about the kind of conditions that people working at his paper work under
The problem in Zambia is that we adore the President so much,we treat him like a God,thats why all they past four Presidents have acted stupidly.If we call a stone,a stone,then we shall have good president who will develop this Country but alas!
You write nonsense
Sometimes LT you write utter rubish,even your tiltle doesnt make sense and you are very poor in our editorial.
1.You should see that there is a probelm with our Judiciary: ask yourselves as to why Fred M’membe
was sentenced on friday instead of the same day the judgement was made.the reason was to make him have difficulties in acquiring bail,and to kip him in prison the whole weekend if couldnt manage securing bail on friday.The LT editors Dont you see any Collusion of the Judiciary and the Executive?????
2.Its A Open secret that the govt wants m’membe at all cost.
Tell us where the match he met is apart from the abuse of the Judiciary.