UPND accuses Police IG of hypocrisy

The United Party for National Development (UPND) says Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani is being hypocritical by suggesting that the Public Order Act is being implemented fairly.

The UPND wonders why it has been so difficult for opposition political parties and the civil society to obtain permits to stage public processions if indeed the Public Order Act is being implemented fairly.

UPND constitution protests organizing team Spokesperson Chisankama Mudenda says he also believes they would not have been denied a permit to demonstrate over the piecemeal constitution amendments by government if truly there is fairness in the implementation of this legislation.

Mr. Mudenda has passionately appealed to Ms. Libongani to realize that she has nothing to lose if she allowed the people of Zambia to exercise their freedom of expression and assembly without any hindrances.

He has told Qfm News that Ms. Libongani can also learn from her predecessors whose honor was lost owing to the manner they enforced Public Order Act.

And Mr. Mudenda says UPND youths and some civil society organizations are still determined to demonstrate against government’s June constitution amendments.

He says their fight to stop government from proceeding with piecemeal constitution amendments is not yet over as they are resolved to do everything possible to achieve this goal.

But Lusaka province Police Commissioner Charity Katanga has warned that Police will not allow the planned protest by the UPND over the constitution.

Ms Katanga has since advised the UPND to find other ways of expressing their displeasure.

She states that Police will allow any protest which does not respect the rules of the land under the public order Act.