By Mwansa Kaumba
NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says he has always called on President Hakainde Hichilema to condemn and violence and back his words with decisive action against the perpetrators.
And President Hakainde Hichilema said violence by anyone from any political party will not be tolerated and every political party has the lawful right to campaign within the period allocated to them by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
In a statement last night, Mundubile narrated that UPND cadres, armed with weapons and stones, blocked their motorcade and attacked their members after his team decided to pay a courtesy call on the traditional leadership in the area, in keeping with their enduring commitment of respecting traditional leaders whenever they visited a community.
“Time and again, I have called upon my dear brother, President Hakainde Hichilema, to address the nation and unequivocally condemn political violence, backing his words with decisive action against the perpetrators,” Mundubile stated. “Yesterday, musician Clifford Dimba, popularly known as General Kanene, was allegedly hacked in the head with a machete by UPND cadres. Up to now, no arrests have been made. Every act of political violence, regardless of who the victim is, deserves a swift and impartial response from the law enforcement agencies.”
He called upon all Zambians to reflect carefully on the kind of politics they wanted for the country.
“On 13 August, let us reject violence and choose peace, unity, and leadership that respects the rule of law,” stated Mundubile.
And President Hichilema stated that the reports of political violence from “certain parts of the country are deeply concerning and are condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
“Let it be clear that violence, intimidation, or lawlessness by any political party, candidate, or supporter will not be tolerated. Every political party has the lawful right to campaign within the period allocated by the Electoral Commission of Zambia. Anyone who attempts to disrupt or prevent that process is breaking the law and must face the full consequences,” stated President Hichilema. “We therefore call upon all political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, responsibly, and within the confines of the law. Let us protect the peace, unity, and democratic values that define our nation.”
