The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has moved to condem the violence that took place on Friday in in Shiwangandu Constituency in Chinsali. In a statement released to the media by the media team, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba strongly urged the Police to quickly establish who caused the violence and bring the culprits to book.
Mr Kalaba further said that if any member or leader of the party will be found to have been involved in disrupting this meeting, they will be dealt with.
“This was a small meeting by the UPND and paused no political threat to anyone, and this incident therefore requires an investigation to establish the motive behind this, ” Mr Kalaba said
MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SATURDAY, 3RD JANUARY 2015
SUBJECT: WE CONDEMN ACTS OF VIOLENCE THAT OCCURRED IN SHIWANGANDU;
AND A COMPLAINT OF MUVI TV TO ECZ
1. SHIWANGANDU VIOLENCE CONDEMNED
We have learnt with sadness that a meeting scheduled to take place on Friday in Shiwangandu Constituency in Chinsali by the United Party for National Development (UPND) senior officials led by Former First Lady Mrs. Maureen Mwanawasa, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and former Kaputa MP, Mrs. Mutale Nalumango, Lubasenshi Independent Member of Parliament, Hon. Patrick Mucheleka and Lunte MP Hon. Felix Mutatati was interrupted by acts of violence from unknown people.
The Police quickly restored law, peace and order, and the meeting was allowed to proceed.
We appeal to the Police and strongly urge them to quickly establish who caused this violence and bring the culprits to book.
Initial reports indicate that the UPND transported into Chinsali an advance team they claim was “security” and this action seemed to have provoked the running battles from both camps.
It is for this reason that the PF will conduct its own internal investigation to establish what happened and who is behind these acts of violence.
And if any member or leader of the party will be found to have been involved in disrupting this meeting, they will be dealt with.
But we should to hasten to state that, we are aware that they are schemes by adversaries and enemies of the Patriotic Front who are determined to show that the PF is a violent party or is intolerant to political competition, or practices thuggery, when in fact not.
It is for this reason that we have to establish who imported this violence in the serene and peaceful environment of Chinsali.
This was a small meeting by the UPND and paused no political threat to anyone, and this incident therefore requires an investigation to establish the motive behind this.
The country has witnessed nationwide campaigns so far that have been peaceful and orderly from all political parties.
Therefore this particular incident is highly regrettable and should be regarded as an isolated incident.
It is for this reason that we dismiss with contempt remarks attributed to Mrs. Maureen Mwanawasa and her entire team making absurd claims that Zambia is a failed State because of this isolated incident. Her remarks are irresponsible and dangerous to the peace of this country.
The recent and desperate remarks attributed to the UPND show a party afraid of the electoral loss they are likely to suffer and have instead resorted to creating an atmosphere of fear and provocation that elections insisting that the forthcoming elections would not be free and fair, and are attempting to undermine results of such an elections.
These schemes are meant to make the country ungovernable in the post-election period and should therefore be rejected by all Zambians.
We urge the PF members to continue holding the peace and co-existence that has been demonstrated so far. We further wish to warn any member who will act against the peaceful spirit of the party that such a member will be sternly disciplined if found wanting or promoting any acts of violence.
2. MUVI TV HAS SOLD ITS NEWS TO UPND
We have established beyond reasonable doubt that a serious ethical breach occurring at MUVI TV where the station has sold to the United Party for National Development (UPND) the news bulletins.
The wide commercial coverage the UPND party is receiving but masquerading as news is fully paid for and is beyond normal courtesies extended to media institutions or given to its reporters.
This is a serious breach of Electoral laws and regulations. It’s also a breach of media ethics as news is sacred and cannot be bought in the manner MUVI TV and the UPND have done.
The law and practice allows a media organization to sell airtime between commercial breaks but cannot sell airtime in the news or editorial content as MUVI and UPND have done.
MUVI TV could be a private institution but are expected to abide by the law.
When our people watch news, they expect it to be objective, fair, sincere and truthful
In this case, our people are unknowingly watching political UPND adverts masquerading as Muvi TV news.
This matter is already before our Legal Committee for immediate litigation. The Secretary General, Mr. Davies Chama will also render an official complaint to the Electoral Commission of Zambia to alert them of this serious breach of the law.
We also urge the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to quickly investigate this matter and deal with MUVI TV
HON. HARRY KALABA MP
MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
PATRIOTIC FRONT
PF is absolutely unbelievable!! You condemn the violence on one hand and then condemn MUVI TV that provides coverage to UPND? You apology is rhetoric .We all know nothing is going to be done.Just like nothing was done to those cadres who were hired to beat at worshippers at BIGOCA
PF, you are complaining about MUVI TV? It would have been better if you allowed ZNBC to be INDEPENDENT so that they can ALSO cover OTHER political parties. That way you would know if Muvi TV is being biased.
On violence, PF should be last to deny these reports. Just look at your convention. There was no UPND, MMD or another party for that matter. But you were violent and almost killing each other. As has been pointed out else where, PF is not capable of logical thinking or resolving issues amicably – they are a violent bunch!!
God forgive us! I can not believe PF and all those seemingly respectable people in there ranks can issue such a statement.
If Muvi TV did not cover that event, you would have asked for footage, they give you the footage, they are campaigning for the UPND.
The violence in your party is the very reason why Muvi TV can not cover you. When they try to cover you, you and your cadres beat them up.
Keep it up Muvi TV!!!!!!!!!.
Talking about violence, this is very sad indeed and any normal PF member will condemn this. I am just waiting for a time when I will be confronted by PF thugs. I will just take out my revolver and open fire at them. It’s an eye for an eye. I was once PF and I know how these m0ther-fuc.kers operate. I will just blow their sh1t heads off. M0rons.
Kalaba, Dead’NBC is constantly raped by your pathetic Panga Family (PF) without remorse. UPND is denied coverage by Dead’NBC but it suits you. Now that Muvi TV is covering UPND you cry foul. You can’t have it both ways you imbeccilles. Your portion is coming soon, embassy park. !diots.
Firstly I condemn the violence that occurred in Shiwang’andu.
However, I must state that I’m extremely disappointed with certain media institutions that deliberately withhold necessary information critical to one’s ability in making an informed analysis, but are quick to dish out what suits them.
That is being very irresponsible. Are you Rwanda genocide journalists or what?
We have been told what happened; we haven’t been told how it happened.
How deed it start?
The footage shows Madam M. Mwanawasa and Madam M. Nalubango running towards their helicopter, but when they just reach it, the helicopter lifts, leaving the ladies on the ground—Madam M. Mwanawasa is seen literally ducking away from the helicopter propellers.
To save the chopper from being destroyed? What about the ladies, not important? They had already reached the chopper for God’s sake!
Who were inside the chopper when it took off?
Nanga ka mantis kali kuni?
Lungu where are you in all this?
Let’s hear you condemn this.
And at this point, it was definitely close to impossible for the camera man to shoot any comprehensive footage—there was panic everywhere.
But there is the beginning, when it was easy to shoot a proper video.
That footage is not available for the public to view and make informed comments.
I’m asking these questions because at this moment I’m in the Copper Belt—the PF strong hold. And UPND have held very successful rallies in big Cities like Ndola and Kitwe. Peacefully.
How can the nation fail so suddenly: in a village, when all have been well in the big PF strong hold cities—including Lusaka?
I need answers!
Indeed, this is a very arrogant statement from a minister. It’s unbelievable that a minister can issue such a statement. No wonder PF SUPPORTS VIOLENCE.
YOU WANT LEADERSHIP, BE STRONG. KUKOSA!! EVEN PF FOUND THESE THUGS. WHERE DO U THINK THE MMD THUGS DISAPPEARED TO?
BA MAUREEN, KA SMALL RIOT IN SHIWANG’ANDU VILLAGE ATI “UN SHOULD COME AND INVESTIGATE, ATI ZAMBIA IS A FAILED”? CHILDISH!!!
Clearly people of Shiwangandu don’t want HH. Why force yourselves on them iwe Maureen and that preacher woman with you?
We can not change something through denial.
Thank you for condemning I hope the police deals with culprits.
Viva EL Viva PF
This will have no impact friends, its sad that they are condemning MUVI TV when them have dominated ZNBC.
Where is protocol..bla bla bla.
Hey Big loser thanks for at least showing some sense. I thought that you are just senseless chihuahua.
So you couldn’t make the footage ‘disappear’ and are forced in to a fake and very late apology.
Investigations? You know exactly who is who in small towns and villages.
As for an advance team being the cause… You guys are so flippant it is scary!
I read this with great disgust to read this apology, especially the fact that this man says that the meeting was small and therefore posed no political threat. Is this man condemning this because it was a small meeting and he would have not condemned it if it was a big meeting? Violence is violence it should be condemned in what ever form it shows its ugly head and regardless to whom it is targeted.
Surely this shows and proves that Chimbwi left no plan for his puppies.
Kalaba this is stupidity. What investigations do you want to conduct when the fotage is there???
Kalaba lucks wisdom, what has Muvi Tv done when you bar ZNBC to cover professionally to the extent of storming ZNBC news room. Leave the independent broadcaster out of your malicious activities you are a failed leadership leading to a failed state period. If it were you being stoned, with the pangas ready for blood what words were you going to use? Dr Mwanawasa knows well her rights and meant exactly what she said without missing a word. On the other hand a civil servant in the name of DC attacks innocent citizens, what kind of governance is this?? PF leaves much to be desired.
@Kelly & others including luo,Kalaba & Kampyongo who seem to put a cosmetic apology to this primitive & uncouth thuggery barbaric exhibition embedded in PF illiterate leaders & supporters -Please know that should you lose these elections-you will surely see!You do not own Zambia & being in a ruling useless PF failed Party never means you have absolute rights to cause violence & even insinuate as well as perpetually insidiously embrace violence.From the time your stupid PF party took office,Zambia has experienced violence & other uncouth atrocities.However,just know that we will demand for justice & accountability over all your deals & activities including loans & abuse of employment acts!
@Kelly & others including luo,Kalaba & Kampyongo who seem to put a cosmetic apology to this primitive & uncouth thuggery barbaric exhibition embedded in PF illiterate leaders & supporters -Please know that should you lose these elections-you will surely see!You do not own Zambia & being in a ruling useless PF failed Party never means you have absolute rights to cause violence & even insinuate as well as perpetually insidiously embrace violence.From the time your stupid PF party took office,Zambia has experienced violence & other uncouth atrocities.However,just know that we will demand for justice & accountability over all your deals & activities including loans & abuse of labour laws!
I am shocked this guy Kelly in USA is supporting this violence where women were being brutalised. Let me warn you Kelley, one day it will be your sister, your auntie, your mother who will be caught up in violence. You might be a PF supporter but PF should look at winning the election without killing its people. PF are boosting of national wide support so why are they scared of a “small meeting” by UPND. Sata once said these PF MPs are useless and now we can see that he had a point
What makes you think Kelly is in the USA?
On their main news yesterday, Ngenda Kamoyoyo read to state that “gasping patients hurled insults” due to poor health services. The clip they showed had no “gasping patients hurling insults”. MUVI TV Is indeed very professional. i
the flags shows where the IPS is
John, IPS does not equate to person’s physical location. If that is the case, then tell me my location.
Kalaba is a nut. Why cant he just offer an apology without reservations? Even if he denies that PF is violent, we all know the pangas that they always wiled whenever they see defeat. PF is a violent party and there is no way UPND could have provoked them. Its just that now PF has seen that their popularity has waned and they have resorted to scaring people. This tactic is well known from the Hitler days. This time around we are resolved to remove the lying PF from government no matter what tricks they resort to.
Kalaba is giving food in one hand and poison in the other . He is condemning the violence and justifying it by saying there was a team that was brought in as advance security party. What kind of leadership is this?? Kalaba has lived this violence in PF for the past three years or so. Kalaba himself and his fellow cabinet ministers whom I call the “dangerous 14 cabinet ministers” were busy violating acting President and indeed all Zambians when they were UNCONSTITUTIONALLY calling for removal Guy Scot. What leadership do you expect from such men and women? They clearly showed that they did not know administration. Violence these guys they will superficially condemn but we know it is their bath foam. My appeal to Zambians who love peace is let us vote PF out on 20th Jan. Shame on PF.
You people, Edgar Lungu is a Muslim, and Muslim don’t condemn violence, only Christians do.
Its ok.these *****s in upnd are arrogant!teach them a lesson!why go where PF president is about to have rallies?GO PF GO!
These i.d.i.o.t.s must be made to pay on 20th January. There is no need for any more talking. PF will regret this arrogance. I will be happy to see some of them suffer and die in abject suffering as pay back for the suffering they are causing to innocent Zambians. How s.t.u.p.i.d can you be to expect to win an election while at the same time you are brutalising the people who will vote? I hope this s.t.u.p.i.d party just dies after the election. PF has been Zambia’s greatest mistake.
This is the kind of arrogance that makes one VOTE PF OUT.
ZNBC Biased with public funds and you condemn Muvi?
‘Stuped’ Kalaba. Your condemnation has been watered down by your attacks on UPND and MUVI TV. Its true UPND was attacked because Sondashi’s team was also mistaken for UPND by the thugs led by the chief mourner at sata’s funeral, the Chinsali DC. No amount of violence or killings will stop us from voting for HH. MUVI TV is by far more professional than ZNBC, Times of Zambia and Daily mail whose news stories PF always censor. Shame on all you useless ministers including lungu.
So kalaba now sees biasness at Muvi, has he checked the public TV
Kalaba has a scar on his forehead. I think some brain tissues were lost during the injury.
This Presidential by election by on one side an exceptional individual, a team player with great sense of wisdom, humility and civility. And the other side an equally exceptional individual with an entrepreneurial spirit.
On paper mother Zambia is dire in need of these attributes in leadership to foster development.
However, the violence which is rapidly taking over should not be misunderstood and ignored. Zambians must for onces runaway from this issue and seize the moment of opportunity in find a long lasting solution to this violence which is precisely a result of a society which’s balkanised on tribal power base the exact main ingredient in the Rwanda genocide
Sin now and ask for forgiveness later. Undp now known their place in np. It was hilarious to see moron, mutiti and mutale mupango cry like babies.
Bati ka chi colour ka Kalaba scarface kalitumpa…….short men as usual, full of amayembe!!
And just look at this guy’s purported ‘condemnation’… apparently he’s ‘condemning’ the violence while blaming the victims that it is their faulty. Shocker! He’s urging the police to investigate but he already knows it was caused by the alleged ‘advance security party’. This country is indeed gone to the dogs.
Kaaba is right,the police should get to the bottom of this. This act of violence might have been orchestrated by William Banda to discredit PF. As regards Muvi Tv let them clear the air on these allegations,they are supposed to give the zambian public credible news and cover all presidential aspirants. ZNBC has been more professional in doing so and are covering everyone……..
Yes it’s true that Zambia is occupied by a cluster of runaway tribes that originally the great lakes region of Africa into DRC under the Luba Lunda Empire and the Zulu Kingdom before finally trekking and settling into Zambia starting from the 16 century.
This cluster of runaway tribes occupying Zambia must for once not runaway from this issue of violence is steadily gaining moment as generations change and become more and more courageous.
This issue is that from inception this societal power base is balkanised base on tribe and it’s demographics.
What must be of concern is that we are the same people as those Rwandese that perpetuated that genocide. We come from the same place and share the same blood. In short, going by this violent events, it would be very naive misunderstood the…
thats why i have a problem with the so called opinion poll on muvi tv by the so called costa mwansa ka boy,he has already shown his bias towards upnd and u expect the other part u are against in and out at every news bulletin to have a favorable outcome thats a fallacy and the nincompoops from upnd start celebrating as if they have seen HH defecating in his pants……..
Seriously, are these our leaders? You call this an apology? Why not releasing 2 or 3 separate briefings? How do you mix an apology with justifications and other different topics and you think will believe that you are sorry? Honestly, what is the level of education in Zambia to have such people as ministers? This breaks my heart.
What a failed state/country! Please, people, kick these guys (PF) out. This is barbaric behaviour.