Manyama violence was UPND’s poor planning –Mwila

Government has attributed the Manyama school violence that took place during Solwezi West Parliamentary by-election campaigns to poor planning on the part of the opposition UPND.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also clarified that no death was recorded from the Manyama violence in which the Zambia Police had running battles with UPND supporters.

Davies Mwila

Home Affairs Minister Davies Mwila has told Parliament in a Ministerial statement this afternoon that the said violence happened after UPND members forced their way to hold a public meeting at Manyama Primary school without prior permission from the school management.

Mr. Mwila notes that what happened at Manyama School where the Police fired tear gas to disperse alleged unruly UPND supporters could however had been avoided.

He says this could have been so if political organization, cool headedness and peaceful orientation towards the resolution of disagreement were sought.

Mr. Mwila states that had the UPND leadership sought permission from the said school’s authority long before their public rally, it would have learnt in advance that the school would not entertain the disruption of its programmes on a regular working day.

He says the UPND could have in this case identified a more appropriate venue for their campaign meeting.

Mr. Mwila says for the fact that the Manyama violence was primarily caused by poor planning on the part of UPND leadership he condemns the riotous behavior of the UPND supporters who were in the area.

He notes that the riot was uncalled for, unnecessary and was caused purely by lack of discipline and the growing tendency of UPND supporters insisting on having things their way.

Mr. Mwila has disclosed that his Ministry is also investigating the unprofessional conduct of some police officers with respect their involvement in the Manyama violence.