Dear Editor, WHLE officiating at the commemoration of the World Press Freedoms Day on Monday, President Edgar Lungu made his rare expression of anger against Zambia Police Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja, as well as the Lusaka Police Command for the inability to take appropriate action on the recorded incidences of violence.
President Lungu is not satisfied that Mr Kanganja has performed to his satisfaction during his six-month probation as police chief. President Lungu’s anger relates to the videos that went round which depicted by-passers and strangers storming the PF Secretariat to attack the journalists and a named politically-inclined social media addict whose car was vandalised in the process.
Ever since the incident, the police had grown cold feet and the apparent unwillingness to take action in protecting human life and property annoyed President Lungu. The President has since called on the police to bring the culprits to book who disguised themselves as PF cadres to break the law.
Since this issue has generated a fair public attention, President Lungu has shown political will and has reaffirmed his commitment to deal with violence irrespective of the perpetrators. On the other hand, his rival, the five time losing Presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema has shown no political will in dealing with violence that is committed within the rank and file of his political party.
There are instances, when the UPND violence has been defended by the UPND and justified as self defence when there is no evidence of provocation. In an event the police have taken appropriate action, without hesitation the UPND stands on the anti-hill to complain of persecution.
A few weeks ago, there was a bloodbath as the battle for adoption to stand on the UPND ticket raged. In Western Province, one of the incumbent MPs is on record of having beaten up his constituency officials and no action has been taken. We therefore commend President Lungu for being firm in his quest to guarantee a peaceful political atmosphere ahead of the August 12 elections.
MARVIN CHANDA MBERI, Lusaka.
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