Independent Zambian newspaper damaged by fire

LUSAKA, Zambia (Reuters) -- Zambia's independent Post newspaper, battling government allegations of spying, went on sale as usual on Monday despite a fire that destroyed much of the newsroom on Sunday.

The fire, which started in the Post Newspapers newsroom and editorial department about 10 p.m., destroyed about $500,000 worth of equipment and the entire computer network, a spokesman said.

"We have not established what caused the fire and police and other relevant authorities are investigating. Otherwise operations are going on as normal," assistant news editor Amos Malupenga told Reuters.

The newspaper came out on time on Monday, leading with a story critical of President Frederick Chiluba and quoting opposition leader Ben Mwila under the headline: "Chiluba's autocracy is sickening."

The newspaper recently bought offices in a residential area of Lusaka for about $60,400 and spent thousands more installing computers and other equipment.

The Post has been under pressure from the government for several months with managing editor and editor-in-chief Fred M'membe facing charges of espionage.

Ten current and former Post reporters were acquitted of espionage on August 21.

Police public relations officer Lemmy Kajoba said the fire was being investigated.

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