The police have officially charged PF secretary general Raphael Nakachinda for allegedly issuing false allegations against the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Nakachinda, 45, of Kafue has been arrested for making false allegations against the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
“This action is in violation of Section 18(1)(b) and (f) of the Electoral Commission of Zambia Act number 25 of 2016, as well as Section 126 of the Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
According to the police, Nakachinda who was then the publicity secretary for the Patriotic Front party, is alleged to have provided misleading information to the public on November 4, 2022.
According to Hamoonga, the suspect falsely claimed that pre-marked ballots were dispatched to Lusangazi, Mkushi, and Mwense by-elections on that date.
“This misinformation was published in the Daily Nation newspaper, dated Friday, November 4, 2022, volume 8, issue 3470, registration number 1001. Additionally, Mr. Nakachinda failed to comply with lawful summons from the Electoral Commission of Zambia between November 4 and 7, 2022,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that following his arrest, Nakachinda has been released on police bond, and he is expected to appear in court soon to answer to the charges.
And in a related development, Hamoonga stated that yesterday at approximately 08:30 hours, Patriotic Front Party supporters gathered in the pretext of offering solidarity to Nakachinda who was detained at Kabwata Police Station.
He stated that among the first individuals to arrive was PF chairperson for information and publicity Emmanuel Mwamba, accompanied by a group of carders who engaged in unruly behavior.
“As a result of their disorderly conduct, the following persons were apprehended and detained for the offence of disorderly conduct in Police Station:1. Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba, aged 52, of 136A Chandwe Musonda Road, Villa Elizabeth. 2. Ms. Jacqueline Chipo, aged 49, of an unmarked house number behind Heroes Stadium, Matero. 3. Mr. Gideon Tolopa, aged 43, of House number 475/15 Kamwala South. 4. Mr. Gift Kachingwe, aged 32, of Phase 4 Extension, Meanwood Kwamwena, Vonna Valley,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that the police were actively addressing the situation, and the four arrested individuals were in custody as police were waiting for them to avail sureties to be released on police bond as by law established.
In picture: The gas from the cannisters is visible after police fired teargas cannisters on former president Edgar Lungu and the PF cadres who had gone to offer solidarity to Raphael Nakachinda who was at the time detained by the police
