Politically orchestrated arson

Sat, 22 Apr 2017 14:38:44 +0000

THE arrest of an arsonist who attempted to set a bus ablaze at the intercity bus terminus is a confirmation that the sporadic burning of markets, courtrooms and other government structures is not accidental but sheer political sabotage.

When Kamwala market was gutted on Sunday evening, it was suspected an electrical fault caused the inferno that swept through the trading area.

No sooner had investigations been launched to establish the cause of fire, than other government buildings and markets were gutted in other parts of the country.

The rate at which different markets and public institutions have been gutted in selected parts of the country should not only be of concern to Government but also calls for concerted efforts from all patriotic Zambians to be vigilant in order to avert the vice.

The need for all citizens to be security conscious and effect citizen’s arrest on any suspicious individuals found plotting to ignite an inferno must be encouraged.

For example, the quick action by the members of the public to arrest the 32-year-old Mwila Chungu who almost set a bus ablaze by throwing a burning head-sock towards it must be emulated by all.

In fact, the mere confirmation by the Zambia Police that petrol was used to ignite the inferno that gutted Sulu Local Court in Mongu clearly shows these cases of arson are politically motivated and intended to cause apprehension and insecurity among the people.

However, it is elating that the police are also doing everything humanly possible to fish out individuals perpetrating such criminal acts by extending investigations to social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.

Revelations by Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo that one individual has been arrested for inciting other people to burn government buildings across the country does not only serve as a warning to criminal elements that they shall face the wrath of the law but also an assurance that the police are equal to task.

There are some anti-government sponsored social media platforms particularly on Facebook that are hell-bent that are renowned for advancing hatred and anarchy in this country.

And we think the Zambia Information and Communication Authority (ZICTA) in conjunction with the Zambia Police should work together to monitor cyberspace crime in order to bring all individuals inciting lawlessness to account.

As President Lungu stated whilst in Livingstone, it appears the ultimate intention of this uncivil conduct is to compel government to declare a state of emergency which situation would imply depriving innocent Zambians of their rights.

It is common knowledge that it is only a minority section in the opposition that has been trying to provoke the governing political party to find an avenue through which to perpetuate their political machinations.

Are marketeers the ones that voted against the opposition? Will setting markets, courtrooms ablaze automatically reverse the election results to their favour?

Markets are not platforms on which to settle political scores. These are trading places where many small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the informal sector conduct their businesses from.

We do not think setting markets and other public places on fire for political expediency will make electorate revolt against the legitimately elected government.

Zambians are not stupid to be manipulated by a handful greedy individuals. They are fully aware these cases of arson are politically orchestrated and perpetrators do not deserve leadership in government.