MISA calls for arrest in wake of abduction, assault on journalist

**Updates IFEX alert of 26 November 1999** (MISA/IFEX) – On 21 November 1999, Alphonsius Hamachila, a reporter for the independent “Monitor” newspaper, was abducted and assaulted by a ruling party by-election candidate and several of his supporters. The Inter-African Network for Human Rights and Development (Afronet), which publishes the “Monitor”, reported that Hamachila was abducted […]

**Updates IFEX alert of 26 November 1999**

(MISA/IFEX) – On 21 November 1999, Alphonsius Hamachila, a reporter for the independent “Monitor” newspaper, was abducted and assaulted by a ruling party by-election candidate and several of his supporters.

The Inter-African Network for Human Rights and Development (Afronet), which publishes the “Monitor”, reported that Hamachila was abducted by Garry Gaali Nkombo, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) election candidate in the Mazabuka central district, at a rally on 21 November. It followed an article authored by Hamachila in the “Monitor” which reported on alleged financial malpractices by Nkombo. The story revealed that Nkombo was being investigated by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) for financial impropriety.

Afronet reported that Nkombo saw Hamachila at the rally and unleashed a group of cadres, who roughed him up and bundled him into a vehicle destined for an unknown house. Hamachila was then apparently assaulted and interrogated by Nkombo and his cadres for two hours before being released. Nkombo accused Hamachila of severing relations between himself and President Frederick Chiluba. A police report, accompanied by an official medical report confirming that the journalist had been assaulted, was lodged with the police, but Afronet reports that a docket against Nkombo had yet to be opened.

On 23 November, Hamachila was hospitalised, suffering from a temporary memory lapse. He remained in a state of seizure for about eight hours. On 24 November, Hamachila suffered another seizure. While it is not clear whether this illness is related to Hamachila’s assault and abduction on the weekend, Afronet says it suspects foul play.

In a statement, the organisation said it feared for Hamachila’s life following interest in the journalist’s health by state operatives. One state operative, a permanent secretary from an undisclosed ministry, was denied entry to see Hamachila by the sister-in-charge of the ward. The official then sought the intervention of the Chief Medical Officer, IM Salim, who allowed the government official to see Hamachila. The move went against an order from Afronet executive director Ngande Mwanajiti prohibiting anyone from seeing Hamachila.

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Appeals To

APPEALS TO:

Mr Francis Ndhlovu

Inspector General: Zambia Police Service

Service Headquarters

P.O. Box 50103

Lusaka, Zambia

Fax: +260 1 254558
Dr Peter Machungwa

Minister of Home Affairs

Ministerial Headquarters

P.O. Box 50997

Lusaka, Zambia

Fax: +260 1 253873
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.