The Law association of Zambia is gravely perturbed by the continued degeneration of law and order in Zambia being exhibited in the run up to the general elections.In particular LAZ would like to comment on the following recent events:
- The 1st July 2016 raid of the United Party for National Development (UPND) by police officers on account of an undisclosed complaint ,purportedly from a member of the public.
- The 7th July 2016 police raid on Mipal printers and confiscation of numerous copies of the Post Newspaper.
- The 8th July 2016 shooting of UPND protestors in Lusaka’s Kanyama and Chawama townships by police officers following the cancellation of UPND rallies in those areas,which led to the regrettable death of a woman.
With regard to the raid on the UPND offices and the raid of mipal printers ,LAZ is concerned that these attacks appear to be politically motivated and targeted at organisations that are perceived to be anti- establishment.According to officials at the Zambia Police service the search and seizure of documents at the UPND office was made after a report that there were illegal weapons on the premises.The search did not reveal any such illegal weapons however documents were seized from the premises nonetheless.
The raid on Mipal Printers is particularly worrying as there does not appear to be any legitimate reason for the raid.We find the position of Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officials that the search and seizure of documents from Mipal printers was merely coincidental to the fact that Mipal printers has a contract to print of the Post Newspaper quite incredible.This is particularly in light of the fact that the search and seizure was done pursuant to section 9 of the Customs and Excise Act,which avoids the requirement for a court order to search the premises.
This adds credence to the allegations by the Post Newspaper that the cases against it are being prosecuted merely to ensure that the Post Newspaper is not operational and not because of any tax offenses,especially as the nation draws closer to the date for the general elections.
The shooting of UPND protestors by police officers in Kanyama and Chawama is also of grave concern to LAZ as it appears that excessive action by the police against opposition political parties is escalating to the extent that we have now seen the loss of life and injury of several Zambian citizens.LAZ has read the press statement issued by the Inspector –General of Police which raises a few questions: how was the deceased victime of the shootings,Mapenzi Chibulo,killed by a rubber bullet? If the police sservice have a duty to serve and protect those in the opposition?We would also like to remind the police that pursuant to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of LAZ vs The Attorney General,Appeal No.8 of 2014 over the constitutionality of the Public Order Act, the Supreme Court stated as follows:
‘It defies logic that the Police would rather provide manpower to prevent people from exercising their right under Article 21 of the Constitution ,than ptotect them against the elements that are planning on infringing upon this right… it is the duty of the Police to protect persons who are properly ecercising their right to assemble from those that are threatening to infringe upon their right.’
The Supreme Court further stated that the police are required to propose an alternative date for a political rally cancelled at their instance at the earliest possible time.The police did not do so in this case.
Regarding the general atmosphere of violence and intimidation during the election period.LAZ is on record as having stated that the problem of political violence is largely attributable to the failure by political leaders in the two main poliyicla parties ,the Patriotic Front and the UPND,to reign in their members who are acting with impugnity.The advent of political militias from any party is undesirable and is a threat to national peace and security.In addition,the credibility of the general elections as being free and fair is at grave risk which may lead to a refusal by the losing paarties to accept the results.
LAZ believes that the ruling Patriotic Front party ,as the party in governemnt,has an additional responsibility to ensure that law and order is maintained by the public law enforcement agencies regardless of the political affiliation or persuasion of the parties involved.
LAZ has read the statement issued by the Republican President following the shooting of the UPND protestors on 8th July 2016 and LAZ is of the view that it does not go far enough in condemning the excessive use of force by the police ,as police brutality should always be condemned by the Head os State in the strongest possible terms.
Zambia has enjoyed relative peace for over 50 years.however,Zambians should not be lulled into false sense of security that this will always continue.Democracy and peace are fragile and for then to be maintained intolerance ,tribalism,violence and disregard for constitutionalism and the rule of law must never be entertained.If we continue to accept the unacceptable the escalating violence and civil unrest may become uncontrollable.
As political leaders have not heeded LAZ and other organisations constant calls to ensure that their supportes campaign peacefully and calls for the police to administer the Public Order Act in accordance with the law and guidance of the Supreme court,LAZ has resolved to do the following:
- Engage the Church to urgently convene another meeting of political party Presidents with a view to them making a joint pledge before the Zambian people to end the culture of violence and intolerance and allow for peaceful campaigns and
- Organise a march for peace to be held in the coming days in conjunction with the Church and other interest groups
Council of the Law Association of Zambia
Fyaufifwe ifi. LAZ is toothless and politically motivated just as the police service. The statement was written in a hurry as can be seen by so many typos.
NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO TAKE AWAY SOMEONE’S LIFE. INNOCENT BLOOD IS DRIPPING OFF LUNGU’S HANDS. WE HAVE A SERIAL KILLER AT STATE HOUSE. EDGAR LUNGU IS A SERIAL KILLER. LUNGU IS USING MONEY TO BUY SNIPERS, EVEN THOSE IN UNIFORM IN ORDER TO KILL OUR ZAMBIAN CHILDREN. LUNGU’S OBSESSION FOR POWER HAS TURNED ZAMBIA INTO A WAR ZONE, INTO A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE TO LIVE IN. LUNGU SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM STATE HOUSE, EVEN IF IT IS BY FORCE. I APPEAL TO ALL THE PEACE LOVING ZAMBIANS TO PLEASE STAND UP AND UNITE OUR VOTES BY VOTING FOR HH AND THE UPND TEAM SO THAT WE CAN RESTORE THE RULE OF LAW AND ORDER IN OUR COUNTRY. AMANDLA! UMKONTO WE SIZWE! WE SHALL FIGHT UNTIL ZAMBIA IS REDEEMED FROM THIS HIJACKER, THIS MALAWIAN, THIS FOREIGNER WHO IS AT STATE HOUSE ONLY TO EAT OUR MONEY. LUNGU MUST DIE!…
I am sure drunk Lungu still thinks, with his very low IQ, that The Hague is a fairy tale and fiction…He is landing there in due course
Reasons why PF will loose this election
1. Its clear to Lungu that the Copperbelt has been lot to the opposition. Indication was the failed rally at the Ndola stadium. Lungu can not draw the numbers. In every economic down turn, the Copperbelt is the hardest hit. The same votes are not expected from there. Today PF cadres can complain of being harasses by UNPD on the CB Hence you will not see him there.
2. Its most likely that they will be poor turn out in PF strongholds due to the economy and voters who do not want to vote for UPND but will not vote for PF. UPND has always recorded massive turn out in their strongholds.
3. UPND only needs to get an extra 5 – 10% of the numbers they recorded in PF strongholds. Its clear this will happen in CB, Luapula, Eastern and Northern as well as…
4. PF miscalculated by choosing Inonge as running mate, she has failed to deliver the numbers. In contrast GBM despite all the negative propaganda has delivered the goods. PF never anticipated him being a running mate and thought he would be confined to Kasama as an MP.
5. Tax has to be paid… the closure of The Post was ill times. The consequences will be seen in the votes
6. Violence in Lusaka is a well calculated move to hold on to the last place PF can pull a crowd. The reality is Lusaka has never been a PF stronghold.
7. The silent revolt in PF were senior members and long time founders are not campaigning for the party will have a serious effect
8. Besides Lusaka and a bit of noise from Bambwili in the CB, PF has failed to coordinate any meanigful campaign.
9. Its clear the money is no longer on PF. In 2015 they could strong pull every contructor they had given contracts for campaign funds. That stream has long dried as the government is broke and cant pay contractors.
10. Banda who massively campaigned for PF in eastern province has seen the light. He well knows the ground has moved and the game is over and does not want to over expose himself this time
11. Love him or hate him GBM is more of a political factor than Inonge this will be the cheackmate that delivers victory. PF is much aware of than and since the qualification strategy has failed they are busy with every trick the can find, but time is not with them
12. The body language tell the whole story…. Lungu is in it with half his heart. Everyone is saying its because the will rig. Its not easy to rig a national election when the ground has massively moved. What you see on Lungu’s face is the shock realisation that its over and trouble may be boiling soon
13. The killing of a girl over the weekend has finally hang the violent tag on PF and exposed their lack of confidence to politically counter UPND. They are desperate to maintain ground in Lusaka otherwise its over. The whole PF campaign machinery in holed in Lusaka. Have you heard of a PF rally in NW?
You can tell Mmembe was part of the concocted statement from LAZ.
LAZ has always been run by spineless souls. Those elected to hold top LAZ portfolios often just use the platform to get more clients and publicity.
LAZ are toothless dogs. All bark and no bite!
LAZ talks a lot but does very little. There is need for action from this body, otherwise it will be just an ordinary NGO.
Useless Institution…full of corrupt elements…
LAZ, what a let down!!! A BODY YOU WOULD EXPECT TO PROVIDE TANGIBLE ADVICE AS TO HOW TO APPROACH THIS DENIAL OF RIGHTS BY A GOVT THAT IS BENT ON DISRUPTING THE PROCESS OF LAW & THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE – but what do we get????
1) A March in PROTEST – surely LAZ, is this the most you can do???
2) A sit down with the churches????? REALLY??????
This all with the back drop of CITIZENS SLAIN IN COLD BLOOD IN BROAD DAYLIGHT BY A POLICE FORCE, rather a horde of UNTAMED THUGS & KILLERS, all slain for simply showing their support for the OPPOSITION;
NO WEAPONS OR OTHER CRIMINAL INTENT HAS BEEN BROUGHT AS EVIDENCE AS TO WHY THEY DESERVED TO DIE – yet LAZ tells us we perhaps should go to church – & maybe pray harder – HELLO, we HAVE BEEN DOING THIS AT LEAST MOST DAYS OF THE WEEK, so…
…..so thanks for reminding us!!
The other suggestion of DEMONSTRATING, is NOW SERIOUSLY TAKING THE MICKEY & LACKING RESPECT FOR THE DECEASED – YOU ARE ASKING MORE TO DEMONSTRATE SO THAT MORE MAY BE GUNNED DOWN?????
“Your HONA, I Rest my case!!!”
Vote WISELY 11/8/2016!! Vote ZAMBIA FORWARD!!! VOTE FOR A UNITED & PEACEFUL ZAMBIA!! VOTE UPND!!
Abantu baya!!
#Chagwamustfall!! #PamaFikuyabebele!!
I thank you!!
I was waiting for this statement from the UPND-LAZ. Glad they have finally aired their views.
HH , GBM and Scott have been with us through many elections and we have never seen these levels of political violence. Only when lungu comes into the picture do we have our democracy being destroyed like this.
How do the police tell a large crowd assembled for an anticipated rally that it is being cancelled at the last minuet. This was planned crowd agitation by the PF police only the murder did not have the desired effect of rampant riots by UPND that could have lead to a state of emergency being declared.
Well done UPND stewards for not falling into the desired PF police trap of large scale confrontations with the police as was the intended purpose of killing the young woman.
PF police and ECZ are after disqualifying UPND be it through a state of emergency or other provocative acts.
Keep your cool guys and show your anger and frustrations at the ballot box.
ALungu must Go!!
He has failed to Govern Zambia.
That has been the wish of every tom and jerry in the political realm, Lungu must go. GBM even swore over his dead body will he allow Lungu to continue ruling. But alas you all got it wrong, Lungu will prevail, the more you hate his guts the more well meaning Zambians will vote for him. And the police who are just doing their jobs must continue so that peace is maintained its just unfortunate one life was lost, but hey its better to check this violence now before Somalia becomes a better place to live in than Zambia. It is extremely difficult to control cadres, you need to use excessive force but without live ammunition. Remember how cadres removed Winter.
@ suck suck #4.1
That has been wish of every decent and law obeying Citizen. Only 1mbeciles like yourself support premeditated killing of unarmed civilian by the blood thirsty servants of convicted embezzler. Your “humble visionary” has taken this Country to the edge of catastrophe.
So, mwalaumfwa ati, “LAZ DISTANTS ITSELT TO AN ARTICLE WHICH IS CIRCULATING IN SOME SECTION OF THE MEDIA”
NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO TAKE AWAY SOMEONE’S LIFE. INNOCENT BLOOD IS DRIPPING OFF LUNGU’S HANDS. WE HAVE A SERIAL KILLER AT STATE HOUSE. EDGAR LUNGU IS A SERIAL KILLER. LUNGU IS USING MONEY TO BUY SNIPERS, EVEN THOSE IN UNIFORM IN ORDER TO KILL OUR ZAMBIAN CHILDREN. LUNGU’S OBSESSION FOR POWER HAS TURNED ZAMBIA INTO A WAR ZONE, INTO A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE TO LIVE IN. LUNGU SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM STATE HOUSE, EVEN IF IT IS BY FORCE. I APPEAL TO ALL THE PEACE LOVING ZAMBIANS TO PLEASE STAND UP AND UNITE OUR VOTES BY VOTING FOR HH AND THE UPND TEAM SO THAT WE CAN RESTORE THE RULE OF LAW AND ORDER IN OUR COUNTRY. AMANDLA! UMKONTO WE SIZWE! WE SHALL FIGHT UNTIL ZAMBIA IS REDEEMED FROM THIS HIJACKER, THIS MALAWIAN, THIS FOREIGNER WHO IS AT STATE HOUSE ONLY TO EAT OUR MONEY. LUNGU MUST DIE!…
Lungu ascended to power through violence. It is their culture in PF to win through violence because they have no vision but deception.
This statement does not represent the LAZ,If it did the LAZ President or Vice would have issued it and their names appended so that responsibility is apportioned to the individuals representing these views…
That are all afraid of the PF police if anyone’s name is attached to such a statement that would mean trouble for them.
It was e-mailed to all registered LAZ members
If this statement is by LAZ, then LAZ is politically motivated and its assertion on violence is somewhat biased on political grounds. I just hope this is a hoax and not the work of LAZ.
Tell us how is it biased?You agent of lawlessness.
There is only one man who deliberately support this violence by arming and empowering cadres to be above the police. This has a ripple effect on the oppsition as they also prepare to arm themselves for self protection because the opponet has been given power over the Police. All this march past bla bla , may not do until this man tames his cadres and allow the Police to perform their duty with impartiality. Why waste a lot of time? why spend much when this man is well known to have brought this violence. He asceneded into power through violence and sees nothing wrong with it. This man must act now, before our country is set on fire.
Since now PF caders are hiding behind the police uniform and are using guns,what that means is that now people will stop using stones or Panga but Guns also.50:50.We shall soon start witnessing real Gun fights on the streats.This will spell doom to the police and government.This means civil war.Thats how Gadafi lost power,his eyes were plucked out like a mwankole.Thats what lungu wants.This not Mulungushi University were he used cadres to intimidate his opponent this is a general election.
The blood of the innocent girl is on Lungu’s hands. he is the one who controls the police. So far he has not issued any statement condemning the killing.
am still struggling to explain to my eight year old, how a rubber bullet can kill someone. at the same time, I still want him to ‘artificially’ feel protected when he sees a policeman in uniform- he straight away rubbished the statement from the PIG (Police Inspector General) just after hearing it from a news caption…. if the PIG means well, let him release the name of the officer who pulled the trigger and let him be arrested and charged immediately- thought LAZ would call for that coz that what the law says…. anyway, their a precedence as they filed to arrest Kaizer and Davies Chama for pulling the trigger- The case of a president who reports to his subordinates hence failing to apply discipline decisively for fear of upsetting them …
A rubber bullet can serious injure and even kill depending on where it hits. Tell your 8 year old never to involve him or herself in illegal gatherings.
@ Bench Mark
Explain to your 8 year old not to vote for CONVICTED candidates and to respect Rule of Law
@ timbalife
1mbecile, did you read what SCZ said in its Ruling:
“…It defies logic that the Police would rather provide manpower to prevent people from exercising their right under Article 21 of the Constitution ,than protect them against the elements that are planning on infringing upon this right… it is the duty of the Police to protect persons who are properly exercising their right to assemble from those that are threatening to infringe upon their right…’
Police are trained to handle the machine. If they aiming at killing they can’t shoot at a girl who didn’t pause any danger but to cadre who was firing live shots. That’s we believe that Mapenzi was gunned down by one of the cadres who were just firing anyhow. Police use rubber in riots mostly tear gas. Following the unruly behaviour by Upnd which was highly dangerous police were going to kill many if just to protect innocent civilians. Kudos to boma calming down these mafias otherwise they could have finished killing themselves and later blame the police.
1MBECILE
#ecl
Selfsame LAZ have they analyzed this escalations properly or they are just being sarcastic or lazy bu2ms? You have clearly pointed out this police raids.Is it not clear to you that there is a systemic suppression of the selfsame opposition? Engaging the church can not result in deescalation as desperation of all political players reaches an all level high.This selfsame cadres should also be restrained by their masters but the overall responsibility lies with those with power as they are being seen as provocative through their self same selective public order act implementation.
I thank you
The veil has been lifted off ECL. When people thought he was a sheep, it is plain clear that he is a woof and ready to kill and maim anyone on deemed to be opposing him. From the comments Zambians are passing about E Lungu and PF, this cannot be business as usual for the party and its president. The handwriting is on the wall. It is finished. all we wait is for the ballot be be cast, then amagedon because its most likely he and his minions will refuse to handover power for fear of retribution.
LAZ there is nothing new in your resolutions that can change the mind set of your member Chinangwa Lungusha who is the perpetrator of violence together with his foolspector general. Churches have nothing to offer especially now that the leaders are eating with both hands, may be if you try nationwide peaceful demonstrations so that the industry comes to a stand still and not even Chinangwa’s vehicle is able to move.
Lungs has failed and he should be voted out
It appears LAZ knows every law except the Income Tax Act of Zambia. LAZ has become a mere NGO under this Linda Kasonde. Follow facts and understand what happened. Why would LAZ make such a statement without investigation? Have they considered that perhaps the Officers’ lives were endangered in the altercation?
THE LAZ SUGGESTION TO APPEAL TO CHURCH IS GOOD, BUT PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE REV PUKUTA MWANZA OR BISHOP JOSHUA BANDA. THEIR SHOWING IN MEDIATION ON THE MMD ISSUES WAS BIASED AS THEY ARRANGED A SHAM RECONCILIATION BETWEEN NEVERS MUMBA AND RB AS THEY SEEMED TO BE CONNIVING WITH ECL AND PROMOTING ‘WAKO NI WAKO.’ THEY HAVE LOST CREDIBILITY.
INSTEAD USE FATHER CHILINDA, BISHOP IMAKANDO FOR A CHANGE. THEY COULD BE NEUTRAL AND STRAIGHT FORWARD.
LAZ statement is unambiguous and timely. The president hasn’t condemned the use of live bullets and killing of an unarmed civilian. It will be interesting to ascertain how a rubber bullet transformed into a live bullet and also how armed UPND cadres are the ones that blew up Mapenzi’s brain. Mourning Mapenzi with respect and dignity is obligatory and we shall comment intensely after our able-bodied Inspector of Police releases his forensic report. May peace prevail henceforth.
SONTAPO EPO WABOMBA = Mapenzi !!!!
Now LAZ is confirming.
Twasontapo epo ba PF mwa bomba = Mapenzi (MYSRIP). Friday 8th July will go down in Zambian history.
Ba Lungu Mwa bombeni !!!!
Oh, okay – so that will now become your powerful slogan? That is what you wanted to sacrifice innocent souls so that you can paint your opponents red – even if you are the ones wearing red?
Violence is last thing we should be attracting as a country. We should focus on things that cause violence. Unfortunately the statement from LAZ is clearly partisan & doesn’t help. There is no way anyone can take you seriously. How I wish we could have some grown ups @ LAZ. Neither Police nor UPND are correct. There are some ?s about how cancellation of rally was managed. But open defiance of authority by UPND can’t be condoned & lawyers should be last to promote anarchy. There is no law that allows the Post to defy justice system & law whether through 3rd parties. Hate speeches, defiance & demeaning language is cause of violence LAZ. We all need to cool down & be objective.
Lungu has failed to run this Country. Everything has changed since Lungu took over Pf, he is controlling everything ECZ, LAZ, etc he is the law himself that’s why the Country is no longer safe under Lungu. He is so desperate even going to the extent of killing shame upon you. The reason why you are behaving the way are is because you never worked hard to form PF government, those who worked hard cannot behave this way but God is watching all the evil you are doing. Enjoy now it is temporal but regret later.
Whether the statement was isdued by LAZ council or Linda kasonde is the same difference: rubbish. Just look at them saying the police did not provide an alternative date when the police clearly asked UPND to choose an alternative date. What happened to LAZ after electing this Kasonde? Can we have Mr Chisanga back please, at least he was more mature than this underfive girl. This is no time for underfives, we wantvseriousness serious legal guidance. Just look at the quality of their statement, their analysis, their lack of facts, no research ati LAZ!! They cant even interpret the law, the kaw on Mmembes tax, look at what has become of the LAZ cases, ministers continuity in office etc, all pointing at no research or sheer laziness ofonumental proportions. LAZ if you cannot change your…
LAZ if you cannot change your leadership please go to sleep we shall wake you up after 8/11. Otherwise you are nothing more than noise makers. You mean the whole LAZ you have no state counsels to guide you, or maybe you are guided by state counsel Kabimba!
No look at the so called TheEngineer, laughable comments indeed.
This statement is so devoid of logic and is very incoherent. What has happened to the law profession? There are too many lawyers with questionable degrees. Generally lawyers are not the smartest professionals ; they are basically historians who thrive on reciting and citing history….. They cant project or extrapolate anything , they are damn scared of simple arithmetic and algebra. Hence even rules of deductive or inductive logic will elude them.
Shame young girl Linda!! LAZ is non like the NGOCC
so you are saying your eki eki is right to lead a violent campaign style in southern province? In fact your eki eki is even very LUCK we have a true christian in state house,he should have had expired a long time ago!
This short sighted conclusion about divergent views by selfsame cadres like you is what breeds intolerance .Who told your selfsame lazy bu3m that who ever has different views supports eki eki? Appalling!!
I thank you
ONE WOULD THINK THAT LAZ IS BEING HEADED BY NOT ONLY EDUCATED PEOPLE, BUT THOSE THAT UNDERSTAND LAW IN THIS COUNTRY. THEIR STAND IS UNCLEAR, BECAUSE WHILE THEY WANT ORDER TO PREVAIL IN THE COUNTRY, THEY ARE SEEMINGLY SUPPORTING ANARCHY AND LAW -BREAKERS. THE ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY HAVE A CASE OF NOT PAYING TAXES WITH POST NEWSPAPER, IS LAZ TELLING US THAT ITS WRONG FOR ZRA TO PURSUE TAX DEFAUTERS LIKE THE POST? IS LAZ TELLING US THAT THE POLICE SHOULD HAVE LET UPND CADRES FIRE LIVE AMMUNITION AT THEM WITHOUT PROTECTING THEMSELVES BY FIRING BACK? DONT BE ONE-SIDED, IF YOU DONT LIKE PF AND LUNGU, JUST COME OUT IN THE OPEN. WE ALL NEED TAX-MONEY TO BUY MEDICINES FOR CLINICS, BUILD SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS ETC. WAKE UP YOU EDUCATED PEOPLE WITH DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS!
God works in works you can not see, He will make a way for you. Come 11th August, the leaders’ s name is written on the wall. It shall be up to the people happy with the leader to celebrate and those against to mourn and please mourn solemnly and not with blood.
LAZ is SPOT ON