The Zambian government on Tuesday ordered the closure of a printing plant belonging to ‘The Post’ newspaper citing tax payment failure.
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has ordered the closure of the newspaper demanding disputed tax arrears of about Sh 68 million ($6.1 million).
Post Newspaper general manager for finance Rowena Zulu said the money ZRA is demanding had already been paid almost in total.
According to the owner of the newspaper, Chief Mukuni, “The Post is there to stay for many years to come; it is the voice of the people and it will continue to be there, no one will close it.”
“Despite what is currently happening, The Post shouldn’t worry so much because currently, it is the voice of the people and the voice of the people cannot be suppressed; this is just a passing phase and very soon it will be an issue of the past,” Mukuni said.
The Post has about 1,500 workers plus newspaper vendors and other indirect suppliers who are already anxious of their fate.
The Post however hit the streets on Wednesday although the printing plant is reported closed.
Some Zambians on social media said Post Newspaper is known for its hardline stance against corruption and other vices in public service. A general election is planned in the country for August.
Lungu who has been in power for just over a year is seeking re-election in the country’s August presidential polls.