Dear Editor,
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu last Sunday deployed the Zambia Air Force, Zambia Army and the Zambia National Service to complement the Zambia Police Service to curb political violence.
He was compelled to deploy the security wings because of the escalated cases of political violence in the country ahead of the 2021 polls. It is unfortunate that political violence has continued ahead of the August 12 general elections. People regardless of political affiliation should coexist whether there is an election or not.
Political violence is an affront to democracy. The vice of political violence should not be confined. It should be nipped in the bud.
The case in point of political violence is the recent gruesome murder of the two Patriotic Front cadres in Kanyama compound by the UPND cadres. The two were identified as Danny and Teddy who are believed to be aged between 20 years and 30 years.
The deceased met their fate during Friday afternoon as they were preparing lunch at the PF camp in Kanyama. The UPND cadres allegedly carried knives and machetes and went to attack the PF cadres at the latter’s camp. The lethal attack resulted in the loss of two lives and others sustained fatal injuries.
However, some UPND cadres who allegedly killed the PF cadres were apprehended by the police with the help of Kanyama residents. Investigations by the police are still underway to bring more people linked to the Kanyama gruesome murder to book.
In recent past, some pockets of political violence have been recorded across the country. Political violence instills fear in people. People fear to be attacked by the violent political party cadres.
The killing of people regardless of the circumstances is depriving people of the right to life. The murdered people in Kanyama had life ahead of them but unfortunately their lives were curtailed. If this is not enough, the slain young men could have families to look after.
To crown it all, I wish to commend President Lungu for deploying the security wings to curb political violence before, during and after the August general elections. President Lungu means well by acting to curb the escalated political violence.
ELEMIYA PHIRI,
Lusaka.
