CHIENGI MP FOUND WITH CASE TO ANSWER OVER ALLEGED THREATS AGAINST JOURNALIST
By Nelson Zulu
The Lusaka Magistrates Court has ruled that Chiengi member of parliament Given Katuta has a case to answer in a matter where she is accused of threatening violence against Times of Zambia photojournalist Henry Chunza.
Magistrate Idah Phiri said the prosecution had established a prima facie case, warranting Ms. Katuta to enter her defence, which is set to begin in august 2025.
The 54-year-old legislator, who has denied the charge, is accused of threatening the journalist during an incident that occurred on July 21, 2023, shortly after she was ordered to leave the National Assembly by Speaker Nelly Mutti.
It is alleged that Ms. Katuta spat on the photojournalist during the encounter while demanding that he delete photographs he had taken of her.Â
PHOENIX NEWS
Yaba, another potential jail bird.
I don’t think so my leader, probably an apology / a fine.If we start arresting anyone who spits on you,there will be no space for real criminals in prison
That is assult. If we trivialise crimes cause of space. Then lets just throw away the law. Regardless of the stay in the “can”, people seem to have forgotten the law.
The rule of law must be instilled. Otherwise civility will not exist.
Why should a legislator spit in the face of another human being? Did she classify her as a…… and the journalist as just a dirty dog? Note that anything new , happening, act of public person etc attracts journalists. And understanding the nature of journalists, public figures , including the presidents, don’t need to be frustrated when followed journalists, because public persons/figures are always like tourist attractions. If one doesn’t like journalists, should never stand out as a leader in any way, but should remain hidden in a cave.
Apology, when matter is already 95 percent advanced in court. She’ll do that in her mitigation and the court will definitely slap a fine on her. Must say, she’s such an arrogant ” reverend”. Even her conduct yesterday when leaving court was that of an unrepentant individual.
She spat on a journalist at Parliament. And for that she got into trouble with the law. I honestly do not understand why Hon Given Katuta did what she did. Here’s someone who’s a mother, a minister of religion, Member of Parliament and publisher of an agony aunt page on the Internet who could not control her emotions over something so simple. It’s sad that it has come to this. All the best Given Katuta as you defend yourself in court.
Alot of our leaders have this misconception of who their are. This new found “temporal” status seems to get to their heads. And the law visiting them is a reality check.
What I dont get is why PF and opposition can not fathom this.
Let her be jailed. Zambians need sober legislators. As an Mp and a woman of collar, she should know better. Parliament is serious business not for kaponya mps. If a lawmaker can spit on anybody what behaviour do you expect from the komboni guys? I urge our courts to set a very good example and deterent punishment to send a strong message to the general populace that being an mp doesn’t mean being above the law. The law is blind to one’s status in society.
I have seen her on tv walking out of the magistrates court complex in Lusaka. She’s not what I had thought she was.
Such behavior from a woman representative of 52% of women in Zambia.
I’m left to wonder what’s wrong with the women? I thought women were kind and calm…I got it wrong! They can be worse.
Can you imagine that violence and spitting on fellow human being. If found with a case and convicted the opposition will as usual breath fire like what she did is not an offence.
Can a human being spit on fellow human being… Really? Not even White masters did that to the slaves. Are we going to hear a cry of finger pointing from opposition if she is convicted?
Madam cobra see what you have brought in your home, hopefully you will only pay money not jail
Ask your doctor on what is found in the mouth of a person.The mouth flora or microbiome.The saliva! Microorganisms, viruses, fungi and many more.