PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has directed the Zambia Police Service to be firm and vigilant to avoid further acts of violence.
Speaking in light of the violence that took place in Mufumbwe District ahead of the parliamentary by-election taking place on Thursday, President Banda said as a leader of the ruling MMD, he would never support violence because if not stopped it could destabilise the nation.
In an interview at Lusaka’s City Airport before his departure for Mwinilunga yesterday, Mr Banda said he would continue to advocate for peace among Zambians and challenged other political parties to do the same for the sake of unity in the country.
“I wish to condemn in the strongest terms the reports of violence in Mufumbwe because this is uncalled for and we don’t want that.
“I want the police to be vigilant and be firm in handling perpetrators of such crime to avoid leading this country into unnecessary chaos,” he said.
Mr Banda said the police should act decisively to prevent violent acts from taking root in the country.
He appealed to political leaders to be tolerant and accommodate each other’s views.
“It is important that we, the politicians be in the forefront to condemn violent acts and perpetrators of such acts should be brought to book.
“On the other hand, the police should be firm in handling such acts because if they are unable to deal with such crimes in two by-elections what will happen when we hold the general elections next year?” he asked.
The president refuted reports the MMD was perpetuating the violence, saying he had taken it upon himself to continue preaching peace among Zambians because he wanted to see continued development.
He said politicians should be seen to be in the forefront in promoting peace and not to preach hatred, adding that Zambia would only be able to attract investment if peace was assured to both local and foreign investment.
He said political leaders should be sober in their language and should stop making inflammatory statements that undermines the rule of law.
“We don’t need violence and as leaders, including myself, we should stop and condemn the violence.
“What we need is to tell the electorate what we are going to do for them and not violence. I am personally against violence and so is my party,” he said.
He said the Zambian people should be allowed to elect their leaders without interference and leaders should not be imposed on them.
President Banda, who left aboard a Zambia Air Force plane around 08:30 hours, was seen off by Defence Minister Kalombo Mwansa, Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja, Lusaka Province Minister Charles Shawa, senior Government and MMD officials.
He is accompanied to North-Western Province by Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti, Lands Deputy Minister Michael Mabenga, and others.
Meanwhile, Mr Mulongoti, who is MMD chairperson for elections, has accused United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema of causing confusion in Mufumbwe.
Mr Mulongoti in an interview questioned why Mr Hichilema had camped in the district even when he was not a candidate.
[Times of Zambia]
That statement by HH that RB has a small brain could be true. How come he fell short of condemning MMD cadres even when he knows that MMD is the culprit in all these violent acts? Elyo ba Mulongoti nabo ubupuba. How can he accuse the opposition the thing that is well known? Is he stating that his cadres are no long MMD but UPND?
It is good that president Rupiah Banda has condemned violence and has asked the Police to be firm. Even I was surprised that the police were inactive. The MMD is truly and surely the party of the people.
It is unlike the one man party which has cadres that preach genocide on the nation.
First and foremost the Police IG needs to be fired. This is absolute failure by the president and government at large. Honestly a responsible police officer doesn’t have to be reminded to carry out his duties just like a doctor can never be reminded to save life. Those are someones brother,sister,cousin, father,granny etc that are being hacked. The police dont need to be reminded that in the midst could as well be their own relatives.. This is negligence of duty of the highest degree.How saddening… Oh Lord Save the Republic!
Capitalist
I am baacky. Fear not, for I have brought you good news. MMD is full of insane and dunderheads. Their time is fast running out, hence the knife stubbing of Kakoma to intimidate the well awakened North Western Province people. Good luck losers. Your days are squared numbered. There will be trials and trials in Zambia. First case, Kafupi and Regina sentenced 25 years in jail with hard labor, Second case, William Banda committed to High Court for murder and treason, Third case, Rupiah Banda under House Arrest for corruption and money laundering charges and Zamtel sell. Then the list will continue about the reopening of Katele Kalumba case. Wow, muzalila bangwele.
What a president you have Zambians? A man who plays jokes on serious and dangerious matters? To him the MMD violence in Mufumbwe is a small matter for which he cant condemn his Cadres. O Jehova God why did you give us this joker as president? Any way he will know what 2011 has in store fo Zambia if he continues joking like this. People are now prearing for self defence in 2011. They know that there is no police service in Zambia. RB , Mulongoti and your minions you will be held accountable. Mark my words.
RB should take action by firing Kabonde and not just issue half hearted statements. He is supporting the violence and tolerating William Banda.We have always had peace and am glad the Pact has been restraining their people from acting against the MMD.MMD know they are losing the seats hence the vigilante tactics.
Mulongoti, is Pande standing as MP for him to camp in Mufumbwe? Grow up and stop exposing your ignorance. Y didnt Kabonde talk about the MMD thugs and hooligans in Police uniforms?
Walitumpa RB, any fool can make that empty statement!
Zambia: Supreme Court; 14TH JULY AND 25TH OCTOBER, 1994
Banda v Chief Immigration Officer and Another (S.C.Z. Judgment No. 16 of 1994)
BWEUPE, D.C.J., CHAILA AND MUZYAMBA, JJ.S.
Held:
………we hold that the learned trial judge was correct on the evidence before him, to declare and hold that the petitioner is not a Zambian; ……………..The appellant deliberately lied about his father, mother, brothers, sisters and place of birth. He has failed to prove that he was born in Zambia while the investigations carried out by the state against him showed that his parents came from Nkono village, Nkota kota in Malawi…..
Appeal dismissed with costs.
Zambia: Supreme Court; 14TH JULY AND 25TH OCTOBER, 1994
William Banda v Chief Immigration Officer and Another (S.C.Z. Judgment No. 16 of 1994)
BWEUPE, D.C.J., CHAILA AND MUZYAMBA, JJ.S.
Held:
………we hold that the learned trial judge was correct on the evidence before him, to declare and hold that the petitioner is not a Zambian; ……………..The appellant deliberately lied about his father, mother, brothers, sisters and place of birth. He has failed to prove that he was born in Zambia while the investigations carried out by the state against him showed that his parents came from Nkono village, Nkota kota in Malawi…..
Appeal dismissed with costs.
Just whom does Mr. Rupiah Banda think he is kidding by issuing that statement? If he were really serious about stamping out the violence, he would surely have clearly and unequivocally condemned the (MMD) ruffians perpetrating the violence, and by now, he would have replaced the inept and abominable fellow currently in the position of Inspector General of Police. The fellow is such a terrible liability and hindrance to all peace-loving and progressive Zambians.
The more this I.DIOT opens his mouth the more he confirms how small his brain is.
The big question is, WHY HAS MMD FAILED TO IMPLEMENT THE DECENTRALISATION POLICY?
Those in MMD know their fear is that Councils will perform better, especially the City& Municipal Councils which are under the opposition, and that would be a threat to the survival of MMD. This is the perception of those in MMD, its sad to have such shallow minded leaders that can hold back the development of the nation for their own benefit at the expense of the masses.
Finally, are MMD controlled Councils doing better than those under opposition?
Can MMD tell us why Councils they control e.g. Kaoma in W. Province, Milenge in Luapula &Isoka have had misappropriation cases (not misapplication) What of AG reports on Central Govt?
Minister of MLGH, who’s MMD, approves all budgets for Councils.
This IG should be fired for failing to perform his duties. How does he allow the situation to go wild? uncontrollable? FIRE THE ANIMAL
Tick tack RB your time is soon coming to an end.VIVA PACT VIVA 2011 AS WE WILL HAVE A NEW GOVT
What a shame, such a SMALL BRAIN in such a MASSIVE HEAD! Would anyone please advise just how small his brain could be
Kalos 2020 you always talk sense.We need people like you blogging on the net than this ***** called Mwata.Viva Kalos2020.
@ #16 Mr. Kapoma Kabaso.
I am sorry but I have to disagree with you. There is nothing sensible in preaching genocide which is what Kalos2020 stands for. He said it right here on Lusaka Times. Is that what you mean by always talking sense?
I am surprised that no PF cadre has come out in the open to condemn Kalos2020 and his satanic post. He never even apologized but tried to justify it. People like Kalos2020 are a danger to this nation. I shudder to think what would happen if he was in govt. 😮
How can Bwezani lie to the nation that he`s condemning such acts of violence whilst at the same time entertaining the chief instigator William Banda.RB must cut his ties with William Banda who happens to be at the center of such barbaric acts if people are take him seriously.William Banda and his fellow t.h.u.g.s are a danger to the nations peace and tranquility.
Wherever physical attacks take place, whether racial, tribal, political or religious, a ruling govt has the responsibility to prevent or discourage such types of acts. As the ruling party MMD, RB and the police are guilty right now of fueling the flames of a potentially dangerous situation, whether they like it or not. The reason for ensuring rule and order in a country is to prevent madness from overtaking its society, to keep the mob mentality at bay. We need leaders with a vision – as the bible says, for lack of vision the people perish! God help us:-w