Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) is appalled by the political violence that has occurred in the Kaumbwe parliamentary election campaigns in Petauke, where suspected cadres from the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) are reported to have attacked the campaign teams of the opposition Socialist Party and Patriotic Front (PF).
TIZ executive director Maurice Nyambe states that it is disheartening to note that the political violence that became the hallmark of the last five years or so – perpetrated largely by the UPND and PF – appears to have continued even after the 12th August elections, which saw the UPND ascend to power.
Mr. Nyambe who has condemned the violence taking place in Petauke in the strongest terms has reiterated that political violence of any sort and by any entity should have no place in the country’s electoral processes, as it undermines the credibility of those processes.
HE has since noted that Mr. Given Lubinda, PF Vice President, who was reportedly attacked in the second incident, has reported the matter to Petauke Police, and Mr. Nyambe has therefore urged the Police to expedite their investigations and bring the culprits to book.
Mr. Nyambe further notes that there are counter accusations being made over the violence about who is really at the centre of it, hence expressing hope that the Police will thoroughly investigate the matter in order to get to the bottom of it rather than relying on speculation and conspiracy theories.
HE has since challenged the UPND, as the ruling party to demonstrate that they will not continue with the sort of lawlessness and intolerance that was common prior to 12th August 2021.
Meanwhile police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga says police in Petauke have launched investigations in a case in which a Prado motor vehicle belonging to Patriotic Front vice president Given Lubinda had it’s right door glass smashed.
Mr. Hamoonga says the incident occurred on 18th October, 2021 at around 21:25 hours along Anusa Road in Petauke when Mr. Lubinda was on his way back from a Radio program and a Stone is alleged to have been used to damage the motor vehicle.