Minister of Defense Ambrose Lufuma says the Ministry has instituted internal disciplinary procedures against the two soldiers involved in the video in accordance with the Defense act chapter 106 of the laws of Zambia .
This follows some short videos were some soldiers were captured beating and slapping the youths who were hurling insults and abusive language at President Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr Lufuma said that the Zambia Army will continue to uphold national values and principles and has since advised members of the public to be responsible whenever using social media platforms.
Mr Lufuma was speaking today at a press briefing held at his office and stated that the stance to institute disciplinary measures indicates the clear position of the Ministry of Defense and Zambia Army regarding the conduct portrayed by the military personnel in the video .
“Freedom of expression has a limit particularly when it breaches the interest of the defense, public safety , public order and personal morality as stated in article 20(3)A of the constitution of Zambia ,the enjoyment of human rights moves alongside personal responsibilities,” The Minister said.
He reiterated that the Zambia Army is owned by the people of Zambia and that it will always maintain an open-door policy for any enjoyment with the public on matters relating to civil –military relations.
The Minister said that the conduct portrayed by the two soldiers in the two videos that went viral , has detested the Vice President Mutale Nalumango who summed up her statement in Parliament when she said ‘ two wrongs do not make a right’.
Last week two Zambia Army officers were shown in a short video that went viral on various social media platforms depicting some people clad in military uniforms slapping some youths while another video involved the said youths who were hurling insulting language on the President.
Source: ZANIS
