Government is saddened by increasing reports of political Violence and intolerance, as political players canvass for votes in the forthcoming general elections.
Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Masiye Banda says the country has witnessed the worst form of political violence, in several cases reported around the country.
In a statement released to ZANIS, Mr Banda warned of stern action against political parties involved in violent acts.
“As permanent secretary of the ministry of home affairs, I wish to sternly warn the political parties that have shown a firm belief in political violence that acts intended to destabilize the peace of this great nation shall not be tolerated,” he warned.
Mr Banda also said that there is an opposition political party that conducts violence and dares police to act so that it can claim shrinkage of the political space in the country.
“The ministry has observed that some opposition political party have adopted a plan of daring the police and conducting violent political campaigns so that when their members are arrested by the police, they can claim, locally and to the international community that their political space is shrinked, ” Mr Banda said.
He further warned against abuse of road shows in view of the direction from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for political parties not to hold public rallies.
“I wish to warn that if road shows shall continue being a recipe of anarchy, then we shall remain with no option but to cancel them. Those that wish to continue with road shows should adhere to provisions of the law and the statutory instruments issued,” he warned.
Incidences of political violence of political violence have been reported in some parts of the country including Mongu District in western province, Nakonde District in Muchinga Province and Chibombo district in central province.
Mr. Banda also issued a strong warning to members of the Patriotic Front Party, who are reported to have attempted to block a roadshow for the opposition United Party for National Development Party.
“In the same vein, I wish to strongly condemn the conduct of the patriotic front cadres who attempted to block the roadshow of the united party for national development (UPND) yesterday during their road show. Violence shall not be entertained regardless of who is involved,” he said.
Not the most telegenic person in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Add to that the inappropriate intonation whn he’s reading and u hv a message falling flat despite its importance.
Cadre PS.
You see, even civil servants are on opposition side.
I just wonder if a PS has power to fire a P.Inspector General. I can’t ask the con-judges anymore…
ZP just takes sides now with PF. Until August 13 when they have a new boss!
They are itching to use those useless equipment they bought using stolen money. If we removed UPND and PF we are left with the real Zambia. Such a shame that the people of Zambia are not looking at a third option because it does not present itself to them.
Zp as government we spent alot of money funding you and buying equipment. Can you ensure that this equipment is fully utilized to protect our nation. Do not hesitate to use force against those who think that their tribe and party is above others. The upnd have shown time and again how arrogant they are. Their leader leads by example. Remember how we misbehaved by over taking eagle 1. This time we will charge him with treason and not release him
GIVE THEM ALL OF THE MOST MODERN EQUIPMENT YOU WANT
THEY SEEM ONLY TO KNOW, SHOOT AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER>> LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE 2 POOR SOULS WHO DIED FOR NO REASON
THEY DONT HAVE A CLUE ON CROWD CONTROL
I’VE TOLD ON 3 OCCASSIONS PEOPLE HAVE SEEN THEM RUNNING AWAY
Where is my question to con judges? I asked, does a PS have right balls to fire Kanganja and Charity in absence of Kampyongo?
YOU ONLY CONDEMN WHEN IT’S CONVENIENT FOR YOUR party PF, SMELL THE COFFEE. TIME IS UP, ZAMBIAN’S ARE DECENT PEOPLE, BUT, BUT …
THE SONG TOP OF THE POPS IS NOW
FORWARD ZAMBIA AND BYE BYE PF
Stephen K is no longer there but Lazy Lungu appointed silly PF cadres as PS…this is how Lazy has destroyed our institutions …can you imagine 5 more years under him!!
ZP, there is no time to talk or give advice, just stop violence.
Let him go to Mandevu right now and see for himself the PF super spreader settings hat is currently underway…
Just say mention then , Just say ba UPND you have been warned.
No surprise at all, very typical of a LEADERLESS COUNTRY. A civil war is looming and COVID19 is running amok, yet its life as usual for our SO-CALLED leaders. This is a curse