By NOEL IYOMBWA
POLICE have been blamed for mayhem and destruction that occurred in Mandevu because they watched as UPND cadres ransacked PF offices and burnt cars.
PF Mandevu constituency parliamentary andidate, Christopher Shakafuswa has blamed police over the political violence that characterised the UPND road show in Lusaka’s Mandevu constituency saying the officers could have stopped the destruction but did not act.
He also refuted police claims that PF had blocked the road leading to the fracas, claiming that the ruling party members had stayed away from the roads because they knew that the opposition party would be there.
He also refuted police claims that PF had blocked the road leading to the fracas, claiming that the ruling party members had stayed away from the roads because they knew that the opposition party would be there.
Mr Shakafuswa also claimed Police lied when they said PF members had blocked the road.
“We are disappointed with the police for issuing a wrong statement, they are lying that we blocked the UPND members. Is this the kind of people we want to give power to govern? They will double the violence once they come into power,” he said.
Narrating what transpired on Thursday, Mr Shakafuswa disclosed that UPND cadres damaged property in full view of Police officers because they started in Chaisa and went around the constituency causing havoc.
“They started their road show in Garden compound and while there they stoned a PF office destroying window panes and other fittings.
“The UPND cadres later moved to Marapodi where again they damaged our office,” Mr Shakafuswa said.
Mr Shakafuswa said that despite calling the officer in charge of Mandevu police station who only confirmed the violence, her officers could not stop the cadres as they continued causing damage to PF offices and attacked any person they found in PF regalia.
He disclosed that in Chazanga the UPND cadres broke into another PF office and went away with mealie meal and on their way they pepper sprayed a woman who was wearing a PF chitenge and stole her phone.
“We have been given a schedule on the days to campaign so when I heard that our colleagues were having a road show I restrained by cadres from doing campaigns but we were surprised that the people we gave chance are the ones who started breaking the law.
“We have been provoked enough, the UPND have even reached an extent of putting their posters on ours when there are enough spaces,” he said.
“Here in Mandevu we have resolved to campaign peacefully but next time we will not allow this kind of situation,” Mr Shakafuswa warned.
