United Party for National Development (UPND) spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has cautioned individuals seeking to join the ruling party to do so with genuine intentions, not as a means of avoiding legal accountability.
Speaking on the Tuesday edition of Let the People Talk on Phoenix FM, Mweetwa said new members must align with the party’s principles and demonstrate a commitment to serving the people of Zambia rather than pursuing personal interests.
“UPND is not a hiding place, don’t join the party to find solace. You are on your own if you find yourself on the other side of the law,” he said.
Mweetwa stated that Hakainde Hichilema does not shield anyone from the law on the basis of friendship or political association. He stressed that membership in the party does not provide immunity from prosecution.
He further clarified that while the UPND remains open to defectors from other political parties, this does not mean it condones corruption, violence or other unlawful conduct.
According to Mweetwa, many defectors become better aligned with ethical standards after joining the party, as they are required to subscribe to its rules and code of conduct.
“We are a Christian nation, and if God accepts worst sinners, who are we as the UPND to prescribe onto ourselves a higher status that we cannot associate with those who are being suspected of going against the law?” he said.
The minister added that it would be unconstitutional to bar individuals facing trial from joining the party solely based on allegations or charges stemming from their previous political affiliations.
The categories joining and so called defectors are those with issues with the law and those looking for K50s, insala kapondo. And those who were scammed with an endorsement at the the meeting have refused that they were neither consulted nor forwarned. Scammers are now coming in different forms
Which UPND member has been prosecuted? None.
But it’s members are from crime hit Zambia. How come they arent represented in jails?
Its therefore logical to join UPND to avoid prosecution.
Why does HH keep this chap ??
Many like stardy mwale are just joining to avoid being jailed and yet you are welcoming them with open arms.