M’membe’s claim that Hichilema got bribe from Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi is outrageous – Hamasaka

M’membe’s claim that Hichilema got bribe from Congo leader is outrageous – Hamasaka

STATEHOUSE chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka yesterday recounted how President Hakainde Hichilema could not believe his ears when Socialist Party leader Dr Fred M’membe alleged that he was among the African leaders that received an illegal gift in the tune of US$20 million from his Congolese counterpart  Felix Tshisekedi.

Hamasaka described President Hichilema as an upright man, hence the reason he decided to report Dr M’membe to the police for his figment statement, because it was capable of destabilizing the region.

Testifying before magistrate Idah Phiri, the Presidential aide narrated that when he stumbled upon Dr M’membe’s alleged inflammatory statement, he sought clarification from the Head of State in whether he was among the regional leaders who received a kickback spoil from Tshisekedi.

“The Head of State was very shocked! and he categorically said that, at no point did he receive money from any regional leader whether in cash or electronic transfer,” Hamasaka said.

“Based on confirmation that he never received money from any regional leader, I gave a statement to the police at force headquarters because the statement borders on diplomatic relations with regional leaders.”

Hamasaka said knowing the kind of leader that Dr M’membe is, he was afraid that citizens would react negatively to the provocative statement.

The veteran journalist said, the statement was scandalous and capable of causing President Hichilema who is above suspicion, to be held up to shame and have his government abhorred.

“My fears were that from where I stand myself, I have an idea of the kind of leader who wrote this post and ordinary citizens would negatively react to this Statement. I considered the statement outrageous aimed to ridicule the President, bring contempt and hatred against government,”said Hamasaka.

“Based on my feelings, I reported the matter to the police because these Facebook posts have the potential to divide the country and the region.”

During cross examination by Boniface Chiwala, Hamasaka said he scanned Congolese media platforms and did not come across any video of Tshisekedi addressing Catholic bishops ; and further claiming that he paid off regional leaders.

When asked by Leon Lemba if he believed in freedom of expression as a media practitioner, Hamasaka said freedom of expression is based on facts and not falsehood.

Responding to a question by another lawyer Timmy Munalula, if at all he forced the police to throw M’membe in the cold cells, Hamasaka denied instructing the police to effect an arrest on M’membe.

And when asked by Simon Mwila if he consulted with the vice president Mutale Nalumango if at all she was the recipient of the money, Hamasaka responded in the negative.

He clarified that the statement implied that regional Heads of State except Zimbabwe’s Emerson Mnangagwa, were paid off by the Congolese President, which was false because President Hichilema is incorruptible.

In this matter Dr M’membe is charged with seditious practices.

It is alleged that the journalist cum-politician on July 16 published a statement on his Facebook page stating that Zambian leaders had an unquenchable desire to get rich, and were having their palms greased by Tshisekedi with stolen money from the Congolese people.

Law enforcers say the statement was alarming and capable of casting government in bad light and incite disaffection against the Government as by law established.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba November 28, 2024.