By Agness Changala
Newly appointed PF secretary general Raphael Nakachinda says people on the Copperbelt have pledged to “tumpaling (fooling)” together with PF, until the party forms government in 2026.
And Nakachinda has demanded that Inspector General of Police Graphael Musamba and the entire police command bring to book the police officers who assaulted PF presidential aspirant Emmanuel Mwamba.
Meanwhile, Mwamba has denied assaulting a police officer.
Speaking at the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court after Mwamba’s case was adjourned, Nakachinda revealed that when he was the Copperbelt, the party’s supporters told him that if the UPND through Party President Hakainde Hichilema continue to tell them “mwalitumpa.” Then they want to be tumpaling together with PF.
He said the Zambian people expressed confidence in the re-branded of PF and said they want PF back.
“But as it was demonstrated on the Copperbelt, when we went to have our new provincial chairman installed, there was enthusiasm among the Zambian people, expressing confidence in the rebranded Patriotic Front and the new policy is that we are refining and they are clearly and loudly announcing, we want you back, and if at all UPND continue to call you through their President ati mwalitumpa, we as Zambians we want to be tumpaling together with you until you form government in 2026,” Nakachinda said.
“That is the message that was on the Copperbelt, that’s the message in Lusaka and I am sure we will continue to go to other provinces and continue interacting with the Zambian people.”
And Nakachinda said police officers who assaulted Mwamba should be brought to book.
He said the medical evidence and pictures of the wounds that were occasioned on him, are available.
“I want to take this opportunity to call upon Musamba IG and the entire command to ensure that those who assaulted Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba are brought to book. Medical reports are there, the evidence is there, not only evidence by way of medical reports, but we also have pictures of wounds that were occasioned on Ambassador Mwamba’s body and there is no reason why the police would not have taken action,” he said.
Nakachinda said he believed what was happening is basically an attempt to cover adding that it was good the case is now in court and the truth will prevail.
He said cases of party members and the one for former first lady, are exposing the political harassment and use of government institutions to victimise those that are known to be political leaders or sympathisers or supporters of the opposition particularly the Patriotic Front.
Meanwhile, when Mwamba’s case came up for plea before Lusaka Magistrate Trevour Kasanda, the accused pleaded not guilty.
Mwamba has been taken to court on an allegation that he assaulted a police officer.
Magistrate Kasanda has since adjourned the case November 20, for commencement of trial.
In this case, Mwamba of Villa Elizabetha is charged with one count of assault contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that in June, 2023, In Lusaka, Mwamba assaulted number 14598 detective Inspector Simwenda Steven, an officer of the Zambia Police Service.
In June, Mwamba was charged and arrested for alleged assault.
He was accused of assaulting a police officer at a named car wash in Lusaka’s Woodlands area.
The incident happened when police went to pick Mwamba for an undisclosed offence.
