By KALOBWE BWALYA
PF supporters in UPND strongholds are now living in fear following spates of attacks on ruling party sympathizers perpetrated by opposition cadres forcing Southern Province PF Information and Secretary, Trymore Mwenda to urge Police to move in and stop the barbaric acts of the UPND cadres.
And Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) president Andrew Ntewewe.THE violence being perpetrated in Namwala district Southern province is not a political violence, but tribal violence which if not curbed can lead to civil war,” And Mr Ntewewe has since called on Zambia police to ensure that every Zambian is protected especially during this time of campaigns.
Police spokesperson, Esther Katongo said all reports of criminal activities were being investigated irrespective of political affiliation.
Ms Katongo said police were investigating reports involving both PF and UPND cadres.
Social media is however abuzz with videos of individuals putting on PF regalia being attacked by mobs of UPND cadres.
Reports suggest that even known PF sympathizers in UPND strongholds especially Southern province are being targeted.
Some Monze residents told the Daily Nation in a phone interview that PF supporters in the area were now living in fear.
They said some have fled their houses for fear of being attacked.
Mr Mwenda said it was unfortunate that UPND had resorted to violence after realising that PF had gained ground in most of its strongholds.
“UPND has now resorted to violence after realising that PF has taken most strongholds and we want to call upon the police to ensure that the culprits are brought to book,” Mr Mwenda said.
Mr Mwenda said it was important for UPND to come to terms with reality and understand that elections come and go.
Meanwhile, three PF cadres have been assaulted by suspected UPND cadres in Solwezi.
The incident happened on Monday around 14 hours at ZESCO junction near Kapiji Mall.
North-Western Province Commissioner of police Joe Njase confirmed the sad development and identified the victims as Edward Kifwanakeni aged 32, Mike Kangelesha and George Chalabesa aged 27 and 28 all of Messenger’s compound respectively.
Mr Njase explained that the incident occurred after the three PF Cadres were allegedly attacked by a mob of UPND cadres who were in a canter truck that was heading to Messengers compound.
And in an interview with, Mr Ntewewe recalled that in 2016 during general elections, Bembas and people of other tribes were being chased from Southern Province in Namwala district and many people became displaced and ended up destitute.
Mr Ntewewe said, if government cannot move in quickly to address the kind of behavior, many people would die due to political violence.
He wondered why the opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was not condemning the violence being perpetrated by his supporters.
