ALLOW INVESTIGATIVE WINGS TO WORK- UPND ALLIANCE

By JOHN KOMBE
THE UPND Alliance has advised politicians to allow investigative wings carry out their work without intimidation or interference.
Alliance spokesperson, Leslie Chikuse was commenting on the alleged unfriendly reception the investigative wings received at former Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo’s home during a search on Tuesday.
He said that the investigative wings must not be treated as enemies, but as entities working in the interest of the public. He stressed that politicians must have respect for the investigative wings and must not accuse them of victimisation.
He pointed out that there was no need for politicians or any other person to accuse the investigative wings of persecution when they are being investigated.
He said that this was their duty and as such people must just comply and prove their innocence without raising non issues.
Mr. Chikuse said the Patriotic Front (PF) was not exenpt from investigations and as such must stop the unnecessary accusations.
He said that the allegations being raised by the PF leaders against the investigative wings were unfortunate as they were full of arrogance.
Mr. Chikuse said that the PF leaders have severally admitted that they lost power because of flashing money around among other reasons.
He therefore wondered why the source of this money must not be investigated.
Mr Chikuse said that the PF must therefore be glad that they are being given a chance to prove their innocence.
He also observed that the sentiments aired by Mr. Lusambo during an interview on Diamond TV on Tuesday over the search left much to be desired. He said that verbally abusing the investigative wings and accusing the Republican President of targeting him was unthinkable.
Mr. Chikuse advised Mr. Lusambo to exercise maturity in the way that he was reacting to the search.
“Mr. Lusambo categorically warned the ACC that they were lucky he was not home during the search. He even dared to use witchcraft if that is the route his perceived hater, President Hakainde Hichilema was taking. What kind of arrogance is that?” he asked.
On Tuesday the ACC conducted a search at Mr. Lusambo’s residence in Chamba Valley.
ACC spokesperson Queen Chibwe who confirmed the development said the search was part of the investigations it was conducting.
The ACC are reported to have confiscated three cellphones and a National Assembly laptop during the search. One of the cellphones is reported to have belonged to Ms. Lusambo and another belonged to his worker while the third was brand new and non-operational.