Claim
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, TheAfricana Facebook page published an article claiming President Hakainde Hichilema was to carry his wife, Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema, and other family members to United Kingdom, to witness the coronation of King Charles III which was scheduled for 06 May 2023. The report amplified the fact that the President was travelling with his family at a time the country was grappling with a shortage of mealie meal, and also referred to past instances when President Hichilema spoke against constant international travel by his predecessor.
Rating Justification
iVerify Zambia has determined as misleading the claim that the President Hakainde Hichilema would carry his wife, Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema and other family members to the United Kingdom (UK). To determine the veracity of the claim, iVerify Zambia examined a Press Statement that was issued on May 4, 2023, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation on their Facebook page, on the visit to the united kingdom by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. In the press statement, President Hakainde Hichilema was scheduled to travel to the united kingdom on May 4, 2023 to attend the coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at Westminster Abby on May 6, 2023. The statement clarified that the President was going to be accompanied by the first Lady Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema. We furtehr analysed footage and related reports which showed that other than the First Lady, the President did not travel with any other members of his family. This was contrary to the claim made by TheAfricana Facebook page that His excellency was to be accompanied by his wife and other family members.
