One killed after police stops UPND Kanyama rally

One person is reported to have been murdered today after an attempt by opposition UPND cadres to hold a rally in Lusaka’s Kanyama township was stopped by the Police.

The deceased, Stephen Kalipa, aged 20 years, is believed to have been stabbed with a knife by an unknown person suspected to have been among UPND cadres.

Police Spokesperson Esther Mwaata Katongo who has confirmed the death of Kalipa says the murder happened about 12: 00 hours at Market called Mbasela.

Ms. Katongo has told QTV News in a statement the victim who was rushed to UTH was pronounced dead upon arrival and that the Police has since instituted investigations into the matter.

He says the police has also received another report  in which Bertha Zuze aged 21 also of Kanyama compound was assaulted today by suspected UPND cadres using a plank.

And Ms. Katongo has dispelled reports circulating on social media that the Police today brutalized  Kanyama residents and arrested 300 people over a UPND rally.

Ms. Katongo says contrary to these reports only two unruly cadres have been apprehended for taking part in an unlawful procession.

Ms. Katongo police officers were deployed in the township and that the situation is now calm.

She notes that this is with the exception of a group of about 100 suspected UPND cadres who wanted to dare the deployed police officers by conducting an unlawful procession in Kanyama.

Ms. Katongo narrates that when the group was approached, the cadres scampered about but that police officers managed to apprehend two who are yet to be charged.

She says one of the arrested has been identified as Innocent Kalimashi.

Ms. Katongo has warned all unruly cadres that police will not watch them harming innocent citizens but see to it that all those behind these crimes are brought to book.

She has since urged  Kanyama resident to remain calm as police officers will continue patrolling the area to ensure that their security is provided.