Claim
On 21st January 2022, The Mast Newspaper published a story on their Facebook page claiming that some suspected UPND cadres beat up Kasama District Administrative Officer (DAO), Beauty Namukoko. The article had a video attached to it which showed some unknown people attacking workers at an office.
Rating Justification
The Fact Checking process has determined as unproven the claim that UPND cadres beat up Kasama DAO. Northern Province Police Commanding Officer Mr. Edwin Chisi explained that after receiving a report of assault and theft from the DAO’s office, the police began investigations on the matter. The investigations led to the apprehension of four youths who were identified to have been leaders of the group involved in the reported case. According to Mr. Chiisi, the youths could belong to any political party.
The four arrested include, Andrew Sichimba aged 27 of Mukulumpe Township, Boniface Kaonga aged 30 of Musenga Township, Nathan Phiri 23 of Amini village and Costen Kalimwengo aged 24 of Winberg compound, all of Kasama district. Mr. Chisi added that the rest of the group members were still on the run. Mr. Chisi further advised all youths that police will not hesitate to arrest anyone found breaking the law regardless of the party you belong to.
In conclusion, it is true that Kasama DAO, Ms Namukoko was beaten. However, there is not enough evidence to prove that the youths involved to any political party hence the claim is unproven.