The Zambia Police Service says it will take legal action against opposition Patriotic Front (PF) Information & Publicity chairperson Emmanuel Mwamba for spreading false information on social media.
Earlier today, Mwamba claimed on social media that the police had stormed Kitwe’s Flava FM radio station in an attempt to block UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan from accessing the station’s premises.
However, the police have since strongly refuted and condemned the claims circulated by Mwamba and the PF on their official Facebook platforms.
“The Zambia Police Service strongly refutes and condemns the false allegations circulating on social media platforms specifically on the Facebook pages under the names Emmanuel Mwamba and Patriotic Front (PF),” Zambia Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has said in a statement.
Hamoonga clarified that the claims by Mwamba are unfounded and only meant to raise false alarm as no police officers have been deployed at Flava FM to prevent the UN Special Rapporteur from going about her mission.
“These claims are entirely baseless, misleading and a deliberate attempt to create unnecessary panic, distrust and confusion among the public,” Hamoonga said.
He further confirmed that the Zambia Police intends to take legal steps against Mwamba who has also been warned together with any other individuals involved against the spread of falsehoods in public.
“Anyone found spreading false information intended to cause public alarm will be dealt with in accordance with the law. We further advise Mr Emmanuel Mwamba and any other individuals responsible for these posts to desist from circulating such falsehoods. Appropriate action will be taken to ensure accountability under the relevant legal provisions,” he said.
Hamoonga has further advised members of the public to verify and solely depend on official or credible sources for information to avoid being misled by social media falsehoods.
