Ruling PF slams Malema

Sunday Chanda

The ruling Patriotic Front says it will not allow anyone continue insulting President Edgar Lungu.

PF Media Director Sunday Chanda says the ruling party has noted the irritating and insulting remarks against President Lungu who is also Leader of the Patriotic Front by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema who attempts to project himself as the Spokesperson of the Opposition in the Region.

Mr. Chanda says for the record, President Lungu sought recourse to the Preservation of Public Security Act, Cap 112 of the Laws of Zambia under Article 31 of the Constitution of Zambia to address instances of fires caused by arson, and to prevent further cases of economic sabotage, which threaten public security and people’s safety.

He says Mr. Malema should be schooled that the Preservation of Public Security Act leaves the Constitution intact and that all measured actions being taken continue to be subject to the Constitutional principles and strict judicial oversight.

He explains that Article 31 invoked by President Lungu and ratified by Parliament did not create a State of Emergency but deals with a Threat to Public Security or Threatened Emergency.

Mr. Chanda says there is no State of Emergency in Zambia as claimed by the EFF Leader.

The PF Media Director furthermore explains that Article 31 was invoked long after UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema’s incarceration and that Mr. Hichilema was not arrested after the invocation of Article 31.