The Southern African Editors Forum (SAEF) has called on Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema to honour his promise to ensure press freedom following the repeated arrests of investigative journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo.

Zgambo, who was arrested again on October 16, allegedly for criminally defaming a politician aligned with the ruling United Party for National Development and a State House staff member, has reportedly faced multiple arrests in connection with his journalistic work.

SAEF expressed concern over these developments and cited a statement from the Media Liaison Committee (MLC), which highlighted the abuse of police powers by individuals wielding political influence. 

The forum urged President Hichilema to uphold his 2022 commitment to free media and take immediate action to secure Zgambo's release.

"Journalism is not a crime," SAEF stated, echoing the sentiment of the MLC that disputes over journalists' work should be addressed through civil legal routes rather than criminal defamation charges. 

SAEF further encouraged African leaders, including Hichilema, to adhere to the African Union's principle advocating for media self-regulation.

Emil Xamro Seibeb