By ROGERS KALERO
POLICE in Chililabombwe have arrested eight United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres for attempting to destroy the residence and a lodge belonging to Patriotic Front (PF) parliamentary candidate Richard Musukwa.
Copperbelt Commissioner of Police, Elias Chushi, said the eight were found with catapults and other offensive weapons.
Mr Chushi said the incident happened on Wednesday around 12:00 hours and police received a report of conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
The suspects were identified as Richard Musonda 25, Derrick Mazembe 22, Christopher Mwechenju 19, Naomi Mwale 29, Chiluba Pandwe 29, John Munthali 18, Claudius Mwaba 32 and Idess Munshya 35.
“I can confirm that suspected UPND cadres attempted to destroy the residence of Mr Musukwa and his lodge, the Mapili Lodge, but quick action by police saved the situation.
“We have therefore detained these suspected UPND cadres for allegedly attempting to destroy the residence and lodge belonging to candidate Mr Musukwa,” he said.
Mr Chushi said the suspects took to the streets and caused confusion, before police officers apprehended them.
The suspects were in custody and would appear in court soon.
PF Media Director, Antonio Mwanza, said the violence from the UPND was a way of preparing grounds to petition the Presidential vote after losing.
He said the opposition was planning to petition of the polls’ outcome in August on grounds that the elections were marred by political violence.
And the Zambian DNA has condemned in the strongest terms the reported pockets of violence in some parts of the country by suspected UPND cadres.
Zambian DNA spokesperson, Spuki Mulemwa said the burning of furniture and destruction of the PF office in Kaoma by UPND cadres was unfortunate and a cowardly act that must not go unpunished.
