REBUTTAL-THE PATRIOT ON SUNDAY ARTICLE

REBUTTAL-THE PATRIOT ON SUNDAY ARTICLE

The Office of the President has noted with concern, a misleading article by The Patriot on Sunday newspaper of 12th April 2020 titled “Masisi, MPS Break Lockdown.” Under the headline appears amongst others, a sub heading which reads: “Masisi gathers Parliament, flout lockdown Rules.”

The article is factually incorrect and misleading. It would have been of great assistance had the author contacted the Office of the President or familiarised themselves with the rules they allege were flouted before publishing the story. While it is true that during Lockdown period public gatherings are not permitted, urgent meetings of Cabinet and the National Assembly such as the one held on the 8th and 9th of April 2020 to endorse the State of Public Emergency and the Emergency Powers Regulations are permitted under Regulation 7 of the Emergency Powers Regulations. Cabinet and the National Assembly are part of essential services providers who are also allowed to gather in discharge of their services.
The Office of the President therefore, urges the newspaper to verify facts before publishing in order to avoid creating confusion, anxiety and mistrust.

Batlhalefi Leagajang

PRESS SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT