By PETER SICHALI
A TRAIL of destruction has followed United Party for Nation Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema’s sudden visit in Isoka District leaving several Patriotic Front supporters seriously injured and hospitalized after being hacked by opposition cadres.
Belvin Simbeye 32, Caucious Simwanza 29 and others were yesterday hacked at Isoka town centre around 11:22 hours where by UPND cadres who were in Mr Hichilema’s entourage.
PF Muchinga Province chairlady Jane Mubanga said the PF team was scheduled to hold a campaign in the Central business District according to ECZ campaign schedule when Mr Hichilema’s team suddenly pitched up and allegedly forced himself to have a road show.
And a witness Ireen Nakawala explained that UPND supporters hacked PF members in full of Mr Hichilema who proceeded with his roadshow at Isoka old market.
This is despite road shows being banned by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
Muchinga Province Commissioner Lizzie Machina could not be reached for a comment by press time.
When contacted UPND Provincial Vice Chairperson for Administration Henry Mukungule said he was not aware of any PF member who had been hacked.
Mr Mukungule claimed PF supporters that were injured could be those who were throwing stones at UPND entourage.
Mr Mukungule said it was the PF that started throwing stones at Mr Hichilema’s entourage.
“We are not aware about that, those who have been injured could be those who were throwing stones at the entourage,” Mr Mukungule said.
Mr Mukungule said the UPND’s vehicle was destroyed in the fracas and party supporters had also been hacked with a panga.
Various stakeholders have widely condemned political violence being perpetrated by UPND and have since challenged Mr Hichilema to cage his supporters.
Last week, two PF members were murdered in a gruesome manner in Kanyama constituency when the UPND cadres raided the ruling party’s command centre.
The ECZ has since banned the UPND from campaigning in the area.
