By Esther Chisola
Socialist Party chief presidential adviser Brian Hapunda says despite the police summoning party leader Dr Fred M’membe, the opposition leader will not be cowed into silence but will continually denounce President Hakainde Hichilema’s attempts to rape the Constitution.
And police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has warned politicians and stakeholders against dragging the country’s defence security wings into political discourse by making statements that amounted to incitement or breach of the law.
On Monday, police summoned Dr M’membe to appear for questioning at Force headquarters today.
In an interview yesterday, Hapunda disclosed that Dr M’membe’s summoning was in relation to the advice he gave the men and women in uniform not to be loyal to an individual in government or in opposition but should also defend the Constitution.
He said Dr M’membe was in high spirits and ready to be interrogated and that the Socialist Party and its leader would not stop talking for the voiceless in the country.
Hapunda, however, advised the UPND government to focus on fulfilling its campaign promises instead targeting the opposition.
Meanwhile, Hamoonga stated that while the Constitution of Zambia guaranteed freedom of expression, this right must be exercised within the confines of the law.
“Any attempts to incite unlawful activities or make statements that undermine national security and public order will not be tolerated,” he stated.
Hamoonga urged all citizens, particularly political leaders, to conduct themselves responsibly and refrain from making utterances that may mislead the public, create unnecessary panic, or threaten the peace and stability of the nation.
He further stated that the Zambia Police Service remained committed to upholding the rule of law and would not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals or groups found to be in violation of the law.
