Tue, 04 Apr 2017 10:53:20 +0000
By BENNIE MUNDANDO
THE registrar of societies should ensure that punitive measures are taken against the UPND if it is established that its cadres were responsible for the death of a man and the brutalisation another Kanyama resident, says the Zambia Republican Party (ZRP) president Wright Musoma.
Commenting on the aftermath of the failed UPND rally which culminated into the death of one person and the brutalisation of a woman in Kanyama, Mr Musoma said time for politicking and holding rallies was long gone.
He said that if established that UPND cadres were involved in the two attacks, the culprits should be brought to book while the party should be de-registered.
Mr. Musoma said the fracas on Sunday could have been avoided if the party was magnanimous enough to follow police advice.
But due to arrogance, the party’s attempt to hold the rally compromised the security situation in the area which led to a loss of life.
“First of all, the death of one person and the brutal attack on another happened in Kanyama at the time that police had just finished repelling unruly UPND cadres who went to Twashuka grounds to dare the police on purpose,
“ And so, police are not far from the truth that the attacks could have been instigated by UPND cadres because they are the ones who were in the area. However, we do not want to dwell on speculations but the establishment of the truth,” he said
He said it was sad that while party leaders never made it to Twashuka, common party cadres were incited to take on the police and it the process found themselves in a precarious situation which they could not explain.
“What benefit did those who got arrested attain?
They went there to fight while their leaders were enjoying whiskey in their homes yet they found themselves in the cells all in the name of being loyal to the party,
“It is unacceptable that while the election period is long gone, we have continued to lose life unnecessarily simply because of some irresponsible politicians,” he said.
On Sunday police arrested the notorious gang leader of UPND foot soldiers”s Innocent Kalimashi who commandeered a 100-man squad which attempted to repel police officers at the Twashuka grounds in Kanyama to pave way for the party’s illegal rally.
