Africa-Press – Zambia. As a cub-reporter, I was assigned to the Special Projects Department of the now defunct Post Newspaper. I worked under the pupillage of Masauso Phiri – who was the editor of that editorial department.
The role of the Special Projects team was merely to “dig deeper” and never allow a big story to die without getting to the bottom of it. Simply, investigate and investigate!
I Imagine, sometimes, if the story of Judge Wilfred Kopa Muma broke out during our days at the Post Newspaper. Masauso Phiri himself would have gotten on the wheels of his battered white Toyota Corona enroute to Mongu to camp there until the story is told.
First point of call of the story would have been to get the “story from the horses mouth” by any means. Managing Editor Fred Mmembe would have been breathing heavily in the newsroom waiting for the detailed “lead story” from Mongu.
“Speak to the relatives who are with him if he can’t talk ,” orders would have been given to Masauso and crew.
“Don’t leave Mongu until everyone is spoken to who is connected to the story…” Mmembe would have issued further directives.
Go to the same island where he was rescued, check on the reeds that allegedly kept him safe and alive on the dangerous Zambezi River… “Speak to the crocodiles too…” other reporters in the newsroom would join in jest.
What exactly happened? Did he attempt to kill himself? What statement did he give at the police for them to just let him go? What happened at the hospital? What was he treated for?
Who was the last person who saw him before the incident? Which person did he last phone or text? Anyway, this can be a big running story for full week with human interest angle and color to spice up the beat.
Back in the newsroom, News Editor Mukalya Nampito would be giving the story some “reactions” from Lusaka to keep it alive while Masauso is “digging deeper” in Mongu.
That said, investigative journalism costs money! Someone must have enough cash to camp the reporters for entire week or more to “dig deeper” and obtain on necessary angles of the story. But surely, someone can get hold of the a judge and get give us imwe!
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