LUNGU TELLS POLICE TO DEAL WITH THE VIOLENT
By Hector Simfukwe-President EDGAR LUNGU has directed the Zambia Police to sternly deal with people who are involved in political violence.
President LUNGU says he does not expect the police command to only issue statements without acting on the matter.
He says police should stop violence before it happens by arresting people who plan and execute violence in the country.
President LUNGU says he is saddened by reports of violence in Ikelengi, Chisamba and other districts.
The Head of State said this today when he held a meeting with Chief CHAMUKA of Chisamba in Central Province.
He assured the traditional leader that he is carefully watching the situation and may be forced to take drastic measures within the law to stop the violence if the situation does not improve.
And President LUNGU has challenged UPND leader HAKAINDE HICHILEMA to publicly condemn violence.
The President said the violence in Chisamba happened in Mr. HICHILEMA’s presence, but the opposition leader has not issued a statement to condemn his people.
He said people who hope to go to parliament and State House using violence will not succeed.
The President said this is because Zambians are peaceful people who do not support violence.
Earlier, Chief CHAMUKA bemoaned the high levels of political violence in his chiefdom.
He said last week, a named opposition political party went into his chiefdom and injured a number of people.
The Traditional Leader said political violence should be stopped because it is not good for national development.
Chief CHAMUKA said the violence can also cause voter apathy.
He said government should sternly deal with those who are involved in the vice.
And the traditional leader said President has provided development to Zambians without discrimination.
He said the economic policies of government have allowed people in his chiefdom to be empowered.
Chief CHAMUKA cited the provision of farming inputs on time and constant supply of electricity.
He said his chiefdom has also been given a Telecommunication tower.