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The Ministry of Defence has denied reports that former Lunte Lawmaker, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was shot and admitted to Maina Soko Military Hospital.
Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, said the ministry had checked with hospital management and found no record of Kafwaya being treated at the facility in the last 48 hours.
The denial comes after National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity running mate, Makebi Zulu, alleged on Saturday via Facebook that Kafwaya was in critical condition at Maina Soko after suffering two gunshot wounds to the chest, allegedly inflicted by the military.
Zulu also claimed that three NRPUP members namely Jackson Banda, Emmanuel Mulenga and Patrick Mwansa were detained at Central Police, and that the whereabouts of others were unknown.
“The Ministry of Defence wishes to categorically state that there is no patient by the name of Honourable Mutotwe Kafwaya admitted at Maina Soko Military Hospital,” Haamaundu said.
He said the reports were being circulated at a sensitive time and risked inflaming tensions during the post-election period.
“At no time in the last forty-eight hours have we received any patient by that name. These reports are unfounded and we urge members of the public to disregard them,” Haamaundu stated.
The Ministry of Information and Media also echoed Haamaundu’s sentiments, saying the allegations made by Zulu were not supported by any official records from health or security institutions.
Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana said verifications had been done with Maina Soko Military Hospital.
“We have verified with Maina Soko Military Hospital and there is no patient by the name of Honourable Mutotwe Kafwaya admitted there. The reports being circulated are false,” Kawana said.
He added that government was monitoring the spread of misinformation and was working with security agencies.
“Members of the public are urged to desist from spreading unverified information, especially during this sensitive post-election period. Those found wanting will be dealt with accordingly,” Kawana added.
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