The Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council ( NGOCC ) has condemed the invasion of LAZ offices by PF cadres and described the act as barbaric and misguided.
In a statement released to the media, NGOCC said that the the levels of lawlessness by the ruling party was appalling and very retrogressive to democratic dispensation, adding that it was totally unacceptable for cadres of the ruling party to conduct themselves in such a barbaric manner.
Below is the full statement
NGOCC CONDEMNS PF ATTACKS ON LAZ
The Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council ( NGOCC ) condemns, in the strongest terms, the barbaric and misguided attacks on the Law Association of Zambia ( LAZ) by cadres of the Patriotic Front Party (PF).
While we recognize that every citizen has a democratic right to express their views on any public institution, the attacks towards the LAZ and in particular towards the LAZ President Ms Linda Kasonde are unwarranted and clearly meant to intimidate the Association from playing it’s rightful role as a legal advisory. As the custodian of the law, LAZ has every right to defend the mutilation of our Constitution by those who yield political power.
The levels of lawlessness by the ruling party are appalling and very retrogressive to democratic dispensation. It is totally unacceptable for cadres of the ruling party to conduct themselves in such a barbaric manner. It must be appreciated that LAZ is an autonomous body with clearly articulated governance structures through which measures can be taken should it be established that LAZ had misconducted itself. The actions by the cadres are meant to intimidate LAZ especially it’s President from discharging her duties as a duly elected leader of the association.
We are especially concerned that if this trend of intimidation of institutions such as LAZ continue, the voices of citizens, especially women, as well as their vested interest will be suppressed even more.
We demand that Ms. Kasonde be allowed to discharge her duties free of intimidation and personal attacks. As the women’s movement we stand with Ms. Kasonde and support her in her endeavors as LAZ president.
We further appeal to the leadership of the PF to immediately stop this hooliganism by its cadres. The ramifications of this trend is obviously stifled freedom of expression and of the press and is an unfortunate recipe for killing our democracy.
The women’s movement is therefore calling upon all Zambians to stand up and reject this perpetuation of undemocratic tendencies of the PF.
Issued
for/ NGOCC
Engwase B. Mwale
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Guys be responsible in your reporting, please report the truth.
PF did not occupy LAZ offices and let’s differentiate between “occupy” and “protest at”.
Elo we strongly suspect water melon at work here! Some of these so called cadres are more than likely United Dunderhead members pretending to be PF!
Your condemnation has little if no effect at all until the ultimate leadership of these cadres instructs them to conduct themselves differently.
That won’t happen because it would be tantamount to shooting oneself in the foot. Don’t you get it?
That the assault on LAZ should occur when a lawyer in the name of Edgar Lungu is president is even more disgusting. Late Mwanawasa, who was a seasoned lawyer would never have allowed such a disgraceful act.
It amazes me how you guys are so brainwashed that you fail to distinguish what is good and what is bad, all you see “PF ” or “UPND”.
You are letting Zambia down !!!! With such type of people and thinking, Zambian politics will never mature, and its this type of thinking which is preventing free thinkers on this blog to join politics in an effort to improve the situation.
Take a step back and reflect, if its PF doing something wrong, just condemn PF actions without implicating the opposition
@2020vision, sure UPND cadres can protest at PF headquarters or councils who are infested with corruption let’s write facts than promoting hate?? PF cadres are lawless even controlling bus stations. this nonsense should stop.
NGOCC, you have been so quite, why , so many issues that needed your comments or position…. why a Mwale is it that ECL is tribesmate. People plz lets be objective whether or not you speak the same dialect. But good for the resurection
In case you have wondered why PF wants to leave the international criminal court? They are up to something!
That should have been written to PF secretariat……and where have yo been.?
PF and UPND are the most undisciplined parties, of course PF is worse because indiscipline is encouraged by their leaders
it is their constitutional right to demonstrate, express dissatisfaction and displeasure against LAZ. Don’t castigate, its all under the umbrella of democracy.
I am waiting for a statement from Chagwa over this serious matter. Silence will mean he is the instigator and sponsor!
A house that does not discipline its members is bound to go up in flames!
This is unacceptable and this country should never allow itself to degenerate to those deplorable situations in SA where mob psychology rules! The responsibility to stop this rot rests with Chagwa. Mwanawasa was once faced with this and he put his foot down. Why should ordinary citizens be left to the mercy of criminals masquerading as cadres? This must be condemned by all, politics aside. Today, it’s Linda, tomorrow it will be you and me! Time to stop this nonsense is now!
@Real Quest can you quote a single case where Mwanawasa condemned demonstrations by MMD cadres? Mwanawasa was in the habit of intimidating judges who ruled against the state. Please don’t overate the guy, he just as good and as bad as anybody else.
NK, I know our Zambian memories are too short. I don’t know how old you were when Mwanawasa warned MMD cadres then that the party would not shield any wrong doors but that the long arm of the law would visit them. The rule of law is what we had then. Though not 100% but we had law and order that time, not the lawlessness we are seeing today.
@RQ I think am old enough to be an immediate older brother to Edgar so I know what I am talking about and my memory never fails me.
The real Quest you are right. LPM was not 100% but he surely showed us a glimpse of what Democracy especially rule of law should be. Comparing him to Lungu is abominable
So threatening a judge to reverse ruling is ok as long it’s Mwanawasa? The guy even threatened to “crush ” a harmless KK. To me he’s just as bad as any of the presidents we’ve had. Demonstration and intimidating a lawyer are one and the same. Afterall even judges are members of LAZ.
@5.1 @5.3 Ndanje Khakis,
You ask “ …. quote a single case where Mwanawasa condemned demonstrations by MMD cadres?..”
Answer: – When MMD Cadres wanted to stone and beat up KK along Cairo Road, Levy Mwanawasa physically appeared in person before the cadres and addressed them, condemned their attempted lawless action. He conveyed the message so well they obeyed and retreated, so well KK looked f0o0lish, and above all so well Mwanawasa earned more trust and respect from all well-meaning Zambians, including the very cadres involved. It was broadcasted by national TV and international media.
Mwanawasa was nicknamed ‘ichibumba’ (The Wall) for a reason.
Now, you claim in @5.3, you are old enough to be Chagwa’s elder brother, and you also claim your memory never fails you.
LOL – It is…
………LOL – It is very obvious you, Ndanje Khakis, are knowingly and unashamedly lying, either on one account or on both accounts.
Too bad your mouth didn’t open when Upnd “occupied ” the high court. A wrong is a wrong no matter who’s involved
They were defending themselves from pf police who were firing at them.
PF police? I thought HH claimed the men and women in uniform were behind him and Upnd. Remember that one in the Post who was holding a Upnd campaign poster? So now they are PF for containing law and order? Or were those that dispersed suspected PF cadres at LAZ offices not PF (sic)?
You got it right men and women in uniform, any one with no regard and whose behavior shows no respect for the uniform is a Ponyoponyo Front cadre.
We condemn barbaric behaviour in the strongest terms. But as my comrade 2020Vision has stated, those were UPND thugs in their usual water melon trash. United Ponyio Nyio Dogs
When upnd zealots caused mayhem at high court LAZ and indeed Ngocc where all silent. When we say you are only interested to open your legs ooh sorry I mean your mouths when it suits you to castigate pf we are right. Try at least to be impartial to who and when to open your legs. Ooooops sorry again I meant to say mouths. These organizations lead by ladies ala bwamba oh sorry bwafya sana.
iwe chikanyo those are our cadres, those are Ponyoponyo Front cadres.
Those are Ponyio Nyio Dogs they are not our cadres
The PF Demo was illegal becoz it was not authorized by the Police. Becoz these demonstrating are PF Cadres no arrests will be made by the Police therefore encouraging more lawlessness and violence. The PF Cadres were sending an intimidatory message to all those against Lungu’s 3rd Term Bid and those who are supporting the 2016 Presidential Election Petition. The PF Cadres are also intimidating the Judiciary given that on March 14 & 15 there will be another Hearing on the Petition. Fear is gripping the PF Cadres,now that 6 months has elapsed and ICJ is now going to Hear the Petition in the Hague. Any independent Tribunal Hearing the Petition will rule that Lungu is not a Democratically, legally and Constitutionally elected President of Zambia. That is why the PF is panacking and…
The PF SG Davis Chimpazi is quite, a clear sign that he was the instructor, Chagwa was in Israel and we where waiting to hear Chimpazi condemn the attack on LAZ by his carders.
Meanwhile PF leadership is quiet …this is exactly what I mean when I say these people are empty tins
You then get this wasteful Clown drunken excuse for a President paying his cheerleaders lots of taxpayers cash to explore “why there’s electoral Violence committed by Parties” when the bufOon knows the answer.
These fat Cadres after getting paid by the drunken Sontapo Tourist will then use their bellies to shout from the roof tops “ONLY CHAGWA IN 2021”
Daft Zambians then wonder why they are going to their beds hungry.
CONTINUE ENJOYING DUNUNA REVERSE, YOU THICK JOKERS!!
I would be interested to see the permit to hold a public demonstration which was given to this group by the police. If none was issued, I would like to know why none has cited for engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace…This country has stooped to new lows every direction you look.
These attacks on institutions or individuals having opposing/different views on national issues MUST always be condemned in the strongest terms.The PF govt.must understand that intimidating or stifling peoples views or expressions,will NEVER win them support nor take them anywhere!Zambia is a democratic nation because the people themselves chose it to be so,therefore attempts by the PF wanting to take the country back to authoritarian rule WILL NEVER WORK!!!
I think LAZ should revist that case if really that man was cleared?
Where are you PF leaders to condemn this lawlessness that is invading our peaceful country? Your remain mute confirms that it has blessings from your top leadership. You have too much power on earth.
This is utter lawlessness and an indictment on ECL and the PF government. It does not matter who did this, there should be an appropriate response by the Police. This behaviour will get worse and will lead to an ignominious end for the PF under ECL. Our country has continued to degrade morally, while fake Christianity has taken hold and educational levels have plummeted. Why harassing a professional body and not an absentee Presidenty? Until these thugs understand that their poverty will be deepened by this gallivanting President, we are on a slippery slope.
P.F Cadres = Ignorant Bab00ns.
The PF Demo at LAZ is the beginning of what is coming. The PF Leadership condones violence and lawlessness that is why they are silent. As Lungu’s strategy in dealing with the UPND Petition and the 3rd Term Bid crumble u should expect more of these Demos. In the Courts PF has no leg to stand on on both the Petition and 3rd Term Bid. So the PF Cadres will vent their Anger and frustrations on LAZ, UPND & the Courts. Just wait and see!!
PF declared through its SG Davis Chimpazi that LAZ is the enemy of the people.
Its on record and so PF is just executing SG instruction approved by Lungu.
@1.6 Mvela, You are right the motive is ECL wamu ya ya ya. At least no one will take them to task when they start bursting opposer’s heads, when this mission is set off, not long from now.
@5.1 @5.3 Ndanje Khakis,
You ask “ …. quote a single case where Mwanawasa condemned demonstrations by MMD cadres?..”
Answer: – When MMD Cadres wanted to stone and beat up KK along Cairo Road, Levy Mwanawasa physically appeared in person before the cadres and addressed them, condemned their attempted lawless action. He conveyed the message so well they obeyed and retreated, so well KK looked f0o0lish, and above all so well Mwanawasa earned more trust and respect from all well-meaning Zambians, including the very cadres involved. It was broadcasted by national TV and international media.
Mwanawasa was nicknamed ‘ichibumba’ (The Wall) for a reason.
Now, you claim in @5.3, you are old enough to be Chagwa’s elder brother, and you also claim your memory never fails you.
LOL – It…
….. LOL – It is very obvious you, Ndanje Khakis, are knowingly and unashamedly lying, either on one account or on both accounts.
“raise no more demons than you can put down”. LAZ backed the tribally misdirected elections. They sang “dununa reverse”, they got their man into office. The suddenly, they think that they can control the 90kg Rottweiler of PF kadas? There is a Zambian proverb “uka Lila mvula, ulilila matika”. You cannot have rain without mud.
Iwe Engwase Mwale of NGOCC donkeys, were you on a well deserved donor money funded holiday? Or have you just woken up from slumber? I don’t remember you passing any statement in support of your fellow woman Mutinta Mazoka Mmembe when she was arrested by police last week or your fellow woman who murdered the boss of Auto Force recently. To me they are both your fellow women whom you stand for and none of the above including Linda may be exactly innocent. But Linda can give you a lawyer at a discount when you do need one yourself, soon. Waumfwa mwaice Engwase NGOCC Donkey, soon.