STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA On 8th August, 2019, the Lusaka Times online publication reported that The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had maintained that the case of the 48 Houses is closed. The paper reported that: The ACC Chairperson, Judge Anderson Zikonda however said the criminal investigations are active and still ongoing. Judge Zikonda stated that the Commission is happy to collaborate with other investigative wings in the matter. Further it was reported in the Lusaka Times quoting the ACC Chairperson to have issued a statement clarifying on the 48 houses. Below is the statement: Further to the media reports and concerns raised by the members of the general public, the Commission wishes to state that the 48 flats were forfeited to the State after due process of the law pursuant to Statutory Instrument No. 58 of 2004. In as far as the forfeiture process is concerned the matter is closed. The criminal investigations however, are active and still ongoing and that the Commission is happy to collaborate with other investigative wings in this matter. In similar circumstances, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting services Mr. Chanda Kasolo was quoted by the News Diggers challenging journalists to investigate corruption claims as opposed to “pushing agendas of people who are simply trying to gain mileage.” It must be noted however that It is difficult to investigate allegations of corruption under the prevailing conditions such as the continued delayal of the enactment of the ATI Bill into law that would allow journalists access to information. As of October however, the owner of the 48 houses was found with government officials proclaiming that the individuals have been handed over to investigative wings for appropriate action. 16