By ROGERS KALERO
FORMER Kitwe District Commissioner Binwell Mpundu was yesterday apprehended together with four others for allegedly having an unauthorised meeting in Luyando area contrary to the Public Order Act.
Mr Mpundu, who is aspiring to stand as parliamentary candidate for Nkana constituency, was apprehended when he went to hold a meeting in the area, a day after Vice-President Inonge Wina had gone to the same area to assure the squatters of government’s support
Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga confirmed the detention of Mr Mpundu who was later released after police recorded a warn and caution statement from him.
“Yes, I can confirm that Mr Mpundu together with four others were apprehended for having an unauthorised meeting in Luyando area contrary to the Public Order Act.
“Mr Mpundu was later released after police recorded a warn and caution statement from him. Let me stress that people should follow the law when conducting meetings instead of holding illegal meetings and later complain of victimization by police,” Ms Katanga said
And speaking later, Kitwe District Commissioner (DC ) Chileshe Bweupe said there was no need for Mr Mpundu to hold a meeting with squatters of Luyando community when the republican Vice-President had met them and assured them of government’s support
Mr Bweupe said, apart from not observing the Public Order Act, the party structures were also surprised that Mr Mpundu had decided to hold a meeting in the area where the republican Vice had already held a meeting
“We are all wondering what Mr Mpundu had gone to do in Luyando. What message was he delivering to the people of Luyando which was more important than the message from the republican President.
“This is insubordination of the worst order which should not be entertained. The police have done their job and I hope the party, the PF will mete out disciplinary action against indisciplined members,’ Mr Bweupe said
But in response, Mr Mpundu said the meeting was held after the Vice-President had left and that those people seeking to punish him were liars and people with personal vendetta against them
When asked why they went ahead to hold a press briefing when the Secretary General was still around in the city, Mr Mpundu said they were not aware of his presence in the city “First we saw off the Vice-President before we decided to hold a press briefing. For the Secretary General , we were not aware that he was around,” Mr Mpundu said.
Former Kitwe DC apprehended
