Jae cash released a new video for the song “Ewalenga”
BY KAPA187
Luanshya police recover a fraction of money stolen during daylight robbery
Police in Luanshya have recovered K51, 414 and a Toyota corolla motor vehicle among other things used in the armed robbery involving K541, 736 belonging to Antelope Milling Company Limited.The robbery took place outside Standard Charted Bank Luanshya branch on Monday afternoon.
Masked bandits opened fire at an Antelope Milling Company vehicle, a Nissan minibus registration number ACH 2490 which was carrying money from antelope milling for banking. Four unknown armed men opened fire to which a lone female police officer reiterated ensuing in an exchange of fire. On board the milling company vehicle registration number ACG 2490 which was transiting the money was a female Police officer, a driver, a cashier and the security guard.The security guard was shot in the knee during the exchange of fire.The robbery happened outside Standard Chartered Bank premises around 12:00 hours, causing panic among members of the public who scampered for safety.
The bandits went away with more than K540, 000 cash and cheques valued at K542, 254 in a broad daylight attack.
Police spokesperson Charity Chanda suspected that the milling company vehicle was being trailed by four bandits who used an unregistered Toyota Corolla, silver in colour.
“The four criminals were wearing masks. It is believed that they were trailing the vehicle that had employees of the company going to deposit money at Standard Chartered Bank in Luanshya.
She said the bandits sped away after getting the money, totaling K541, 736 cash and cheques valued at K542, 254.
She said the company personnel were ambushed as they were about to enter the bank to deposit the money.
Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer, Joyce Kasosa said the motor vehicle was recovered around 16:30 hours at Bottoms Up night club in Luanshya’s mine recreation area.
Ms Kasosa said that the Toyota corolla, registration number ACM 5827, silver in colour, whose owner was not yet known was discovered abandoned at Bottoms Up containing an empty black trunk, K51, 414 in cheque form, two head sock masks, two shirts, a coat, a school bag and a pair of sun glasses.
She further disclosed that police have also recovered four cartridges of a pistol from the scene of crime, believed to have come from one of the guns used during the robbery.
She, however, added that investigation were ongoing, to ascertain how a vehicle with a same description without a registration number which was reported to have been used in the robbery was later discovered with a registration number.
Police arrest suspect for beating chief
Police in Solwezi have arrested one suspect alleged to be part of the mob of mourners that assaulted Chief Chikola of the Lamba people of Solwezi district over the weekend.
Chief Chikola was assaulted by his subjects who beat him on suspicion that he was behind the death of his retainer who died some days earlier.
North-western province Deputy Police Commissioner, Michael Nkaka, confirmed the arrest of Kings Fulani, brother of the deceased in Solwezi.
Mr Nkaka said the Chief was badly assaulted after relatives of the deceased performed a traditional practice commonly known as Chikondo which indicated that the chief was the one behind the death of his retainer.He said police have since evacuated chief Chikola from his palace for security reasons.Mr Nkaka said Fulani is in police custody awaiting court appearance.
Former Zambia Army commander denies receiving K500 000
FORMER Zambia Army commander, Wisdom Lopa has insisted that he did not get the K500, 000 from former Zambia Air Force (ZAF) commander Andrew Sakala, saying his defence wing was well-funded at the time.
Lopa said his wing had before the elections requested for funding in order for him to ensure the security situation in the country was contained and he received K3.5 million.
This is in a matter in which the three former service chiefs, Lopa, Sakala and former Zambia National Service (ZNS) commander Anthony Yeta are jointly charged with theft by public servant involving K1.5 million.
The three former service chiefs, between September 16 and September 21, 2011, were alleged to have stolen K1.5 million, money meant for operations before, during and after the elections.
But Lopa told deputy director of local court, Wilfred Muma who sat as principal magistrate during cross-examination yesterday that when the defence chiefs went to State House to brief the new commander of the armed forces about the situation of the security in the country, he did not raise the issue of receiving the K500,000 because it was of less importance compared to the issues of national security.
Lopa said the Central Joint Operations Committee (CJOC) meeting, which was held on September 14, 2011, resolved to allocate K500,000 to each of the defence wings including the Zambia Police for covert operations before, during and after the elections.
Lopa, who was the chairperson of the CJOC, said it was resolved in the same meeting that the money would be transmitted directly to the different services and not through ZAF which was headed by Sakala.
He said before the meeting at State House, he requested for money to be allocated to his wing and received the K3.5 million.He said when he did not receive the K500,000 allocated to his wing at the CJOC, he was not worried because his wing was well-funded at the time, adding that he did not object to the allocation of K500,000 as such funding was always forthcoming.
Lopa said if the money was sent directly to the ZAF account as was alleged by Sakala, it was a departure against what was agreed upon during the CJOC meeting.He said he only learnt that Sakala was given the money when the Government Joint Investigations Team interrogated him on the matter.He insisted that what he received in a black bag from Sakala where wine and sexual boosters, in form of herbs were contained.
He said the sexual booster was sent to him through Sakala from a ZAF officer who was attached at the Zambian Embassy in Tanzania.Lopa said when asked by one of the State prosecutors how it was possible to receive sexual boosters at the time, he explained that he was going through pressure during the period of elections.
Meanwhile, Mr Muma has granted Lopa, Sakala and Yeta, applications for each of them to subpoena two witnesses.
Trial continues on May 6, 2014.
[Times of Zambia]
Lusaka High orders a group led by Chief Nkomeshya’s daughter to stop illegal mining activities
The Lusaka High Court has tossed out an application by China Jiangsu International, Busoli Development Company and Skyline Quarry Limited that wanted the court to quash an injunction by Vikram Investments Limited to stop the three companies from conducting illegal mining activities in Chongwe.
The two companies Skyline Quarry Limited and Busoli Development company are registered in name of Mainza Elizabeth Nkomeshya, the daughter to senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamabo II and her husband Lennard Kawanu together with two other Zambians George Mwamba and Munkonge.
The quashing of the application is contained in a ruling delivered by High Court Judge Flavia Chishimba and it was obtained in Lusaka after a search at the court registry.
According to the ruling delivered April 9th, this year, China Jiangsu International Economic Technical Co-operation Zambia Limited together with other respondents George Mwamba, Skyline Quarry Limited, Limited and Busoli Development Company Limited have been ordered to stop illegal quarrying and mining activities currently being undertaken on the prospecting area that belongs to Vikram Investments Limited.
Ccording to the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development the prospecting licence number 16703-HQ-LPL belonged to Vikram Investments Limited in which it is entitled to do quarrying and mining activities in Shantumbu area of Chongwe.
The prospecting area for Vikram Investments Limited was invaded by the Chinese company and the other two local firms belonging to Nkomeshya, Kawanu and George Mwamba before the Vikram could commence its mining activities.
“Vikram had a clear right to the relief to the land under dispute and that the Chinese company had failed to establish sufficient cause to warrant the court to discharge the injunction.
For the foregoing reasons, the respondents (China Jiangsu International) application to discharge the order of injunction is hereby dismissed. The ex-parte order of injunction granted earlier is hereby confirmed pending determination of the case,” reads part of the ruling by Justice Chishimba.
In the injunction that was granted earlier, Justice Chishimba ordered that the China Jiangsu together with Nkomeshya’s companies should be restrained from entering the prospecting area for Vikram Investments Limited or interfer with the owner of and in possession of the prospecting licence area or carrying any works until further order of the court.
However, China Jangsu International and Nkomeshya’s companies defied the court order and started mining non the disputed land claiming the land belonged to Chieftainess Nkomeshya who had the right to decide who must conduct business thereon.
Zambia to import power from Botswana
ZESCO has signed a deal with Australia’s African Energy Resources to transmit power to Southern Province from the Aussie firm’s coal-fuelled station in Botswana.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for the importation of 300 megawatts of base load electricity power from the Sese Coal and Power project in Botswana.
The Australian-based exploration company will undertake a desktop study to evaluate preferred options for the transmission and integration of power supply from Sese into Southern Province.
The report says preliminary studies have confirmed that there are no material flaws in the transmission options under evaluation.
According to information posted on Proactive Investors Australia website the agreement is non-binding at this stage with Zeasco and Maysen and Borowski Investments, an Australian corporate advisory firm.
“Zesco will provide access to its technical capability and information to assist with the study, and Maysen and Borowski will assist African Energy Resources Limited and Zesco in meeting key objectives,” the report says.
The parties have agreed to explore the potential for the delivery of 300MW of base-load electrical power from African Energy Resources’s Sese Coal and Power project into Zesco’s grid, 500 kilometres to the north. African Energy Resources’ shares may trade firmer after signing [this] agreement,” it says.
The report says Zambia is currently experiencing a period of strong economic growth centred on new mine and smelter developments in Copperbelt Province.
It says with the expansion of several existing large-scale mines, there is a substantial increase in demand for power.
Meanwile, ZESCO says works for the US$2billion Kafue Gorge lower is progressing well and the company to undertake the construction will be hired soon.
Zesco acting chief operations officer Christopher Mubemba said tender documents for the five shortlisted constructors will be issued soon while securing finances for the project will follow later in the year.
Mr Mubemba said this in Livingstone at the just-ended Engineering Institute of Zambia gala dinner.
The Kafue Gorge lower is one of the Zesco’s major projects with a capacity of 750 megawatts (MW) and will cost an estimated US$2 billion while construction will take six years.
“In terms of financing, US$1.5 billion is a loan and US$500 million is equity. We have had a lot of support from Government. From the US$750 million Eurobond, Zesco was allocated US$186 million,” he said.
Mr Mubemba said there is need to invest in electricity to sustain Zambia’s economic growth, adding that power is the key to industrial development of an economy.
“The biggest challenge we face is dealing with the peak period when the company faces a deficit of 200 to 300MW per day,” he said.
He said the US$320 million power rehabilitation project (PRP) embarked by the company has helped with rehabilitation of generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to stimulate the growth of the country.
He cited the upgrading of Kafue Gorge station to 990MW from 900, Kariba station to 720MW from 600MW as one of the major achievements of the PRP.
The rehabilitation of Victoria Falls hydro-electricity power station in Livingstone attracted US$53 million, Kafue Gorge (US$85 million) and Kariba (US$81 million).
Mr Mubemba said works at Kariba North Bank extension, which has attracted US$420 million, is almost finished and a second machine will be commissioned next month.
Commenting on the US$232 million Itezhi-tezhi project, Mr Mubemba said the company has had problem with raising funding but on Tuesday last week, a final agreement was signed with investment partners.
“Despite the fact that financing arrangements were not put in place, Zesco was innovative and looked for money from other sources; we borrowed from Government and also used our own balance sheet.
As I speak the work is 48 percent complete despite financing been finalised last week,” he said.
The 120MW Itezhi-tezhi project is due for completion next year.
Government still consulting on moving retirement age from 55 to 65-Mbulu
Rayford Mbulu
GOVERNMENT says it is still engaged in extensive consultations with social partners on proposals to increase the retirement age from 55 to 65.
Speaking at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation public forum on the proposed review of the retirement age policy in Lusaka yesterday, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security Rayford Mbulu said that there are various views on whether Zambia should adopt a graduating retirement policy, which entails workers receiving their pension at 55 and continuing work on contract until the age of 65.
“We know most workers have serious concerns on this subject of raising the retirement age from 55 to 65.There are various views on whether Zambia should adopt a graduating retirement policy whereby workers can receive their pension at 55 and work on contract until the age of 65,”Mr Mbulu said.
He said Government is currently engaging social partners in extensive consultations in order to reach a consensus on the best options available as compared to what is obtaining in the sub-region.
Mr Mbulu said considerable progress has been made on the issue with the effective help of social partners.
“Areas of sharp differences are being addressed with the hope of finding commonalities.
Once the consultative process is finalised, Government will certainly issue a position paper on the proposed retirement age policy for wider consideration,” he said.
The minister said the topic on age is currently subject to ongoing discussions with the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC).
Mr Mbulu said Government has already made public its intentions to revise upwards the retirement age.
“We believe there are many positives associated with this, especially at a time a time when our gross domestic product (GDP) and life expectancy is rising, and many people are now living longer due to the availability of life-prolonging drugs,” he said.
Mr Mbulu said a longer retirement age is likely to bring in affordability payment terms for house loans among local people and lead to pension reforms.
“We have challenges with existing social security systems which are set to fix through wholesome reforms. We believe that by deferring pension benefits, we will help pension fund managers to invest workers’ pension savings in viable business ventures.
“This will surely benefit workers in the long run through a higher yield or interest on their pension savings,” he said.
Transport Minister advises bus operators not to increase the fares
talks to Vice President Dr. Guy Scot as Luapula Province Permanent
Secretary Chanda Kasolo listens, this was during the kick off ceremony
for the construction of 169 communication towers in Matanda area of
Mansa District
MINISTER of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Yamfwa Mukanga has advised bus operators not to increase bus fares without consulting Government.
Mr Mukanga said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that it is not necessary for bus operators to increase fares because they have made a lot of profits.
“It is not necessary to increase bus fares. We want to come and hear their point so that I can know what they are trying to do.
“Why do they want an increase in bus fares, how much is the increase in fuel prices and what increase are they talking about? Those are issues that we need to sit at the table and discuss,” the minister said.
He advised bus operators to follow procedure before increasing fares.
The minister also said bus operators should not blackmail Government in a bid to increase bus fares.
“Already, they have been making profits in their transport business. But if they feel they have an issue which they need to address, they should just address it rather than giving us a condition, it is not acceptable. It is blackmail,” Mr Mukanga said.
He also warned that bus drivers contravening traffic rules and regulations will be firmly dealt with.
Mr Mukanga also said traffic police officers should avoid harassing bus drivers unnecessarily because they have a duty to provide quality services to commuters.
On Sunday, Capital Buses proprietor Ishmail Khankara said an increase in bus fares is inevitable because of the hike in the pump prices of petroleum products and depreciation of the Kwacha
Mr Khankara said if contravening of traffic regulations by some bus drivers and extortion of money by callboys is not stopped, bus operators will be compelled to increase fares.
Last Thursday, the Energy regulation Board (ERB) announced an increase in the pump prices of petroleum products by between 7.22 percent and 9.54 percent while the wholesale prices were hiked by 11.5 percent.
Court dismisses LAZ case against Acting Chief Justice, case abuses court process
THE Kitwe High Court has dismissed the case in which the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) sued the Attorney General and Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda, challenging the latter’s appointment as Acting Chief Justice.
LAZ also wanted the court to declare the decision by President Sata to re-appoint Mrs Justice Chibesakunda to the Supreme Court bench and subsequently as acting Chief Justice, as null and void and in excess of constitutional limits.
But the Attorney General, through an affidavit filed by Deputy Chief State Advocate Joe Simachela, urged the court to dismiss the action by LAZ on grounds that it was irregular and an abuse of the court process.
Justice Chibesakunda, through her lawyer Bonaventure Mutale, also urged the court to dismiss the writ of summons as well as the statement of claim by LAZ on grounds that they were irregular and also urged the court to alternatively remove her from the action.
In his ruling yesterday, Kitwe High Court Deputy Registrar Charles Zulu observed that the mode that the plaintiff (LAZ) adopted to commence their action was irregular.
“Assuredly, the plaintiff used the court machinery in an improper way otherwise termed “abuse of the process of court” instead of using the process of judicial review,” Mr Zulu said.
“It follows that the second defendant [Justice Chibesakunda] cannot be a party to a process that is mortally flawed.”
Mr Zulu said it was his considered judgment that the action by LAZ was dismissible on account of the abuse of the court process.
“All in all, the writ of summons and statement of claim is dismissed for want in procedure but I make no order as to costs,” he said.
Nkana leaves for Tunisia
Nkana have left for Tunisia ahead of Sunday’s 2014 CAF Confederation Cup match against local club CA Bizertin in North Africa.
The Nkana squad comprising of 19 players, coaches and officials led by delegation leader Kelvin Mutafu left via Ndola’s Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport on Tuesday evening.
The team later connected from The Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka to the United Arab Emirates around 21h25.
Nkana are expected to arrive in Tunisia on Wednesday morning.
Nkana and Bizertin on Sunday clash in the return match of the Confederation Cup pre-group stage in Tunisia.
The two teams are tied goalless from the first leg played at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe last Saturday.
HH pays tribute to the late Denis Liwewe
Hakainde Hichilema
Tribute to Dennis Liwewe
Colleagues, country men and country women, the country faces yet another dark day on the passing of our venerated veteran soccer commentator Dennis Liwewe. On behalf of the UPND and my own and my family’s behalf, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Liwewe and the entire Liwewe family, and the people of Zambia in the face of this tragedy.
In his own words, Liwewe would say, he eats football, drinks football and sleeps football. And true to these words, Liwewe was an embodiment of football, he was an encyclopedia of not only Zambian soccer but soccer in general but his passionate lay with Zambian soccer.
It would be a lie to not acknowledge that, in the 70’s up to the late 90’s, a football match was incomplete without the voice of Liwewe. His descriptions were so captivating that you would literally be seeing the match even if it was on radio. Some of us would be ‘watching’ the match while tuned in to radio, that was Liwewe’s influence.
How do I remember Liwewe? Personally I came into contact with the man like every football fan, through his radio commentaries and meeting him in person later in my life was fulfilling.
As young men, we would crowd around one of those supersonic two band radio sets. His voice would reverberate through the speaker and in shortwave his voice would go up and down as the waves permitted.
Two things stand out for me. One; the day we lost our entire national team in Gabon, we could not have chosen a better man to give a fitting tribute to the departed gallant men of this country. I could safely say, Dennis was the reason a decision was made by FAZ to proceed with the rest of the matches which saw Zambia as runners up at the Afcon 94.
[pullquote]As young men, we would crowd around one of those supersonic two band radio sets. His voice would reverberate through the speaker and in shortwave his voice would go up and down as the waves permitted. [/pullquote]
Secondly; later in the year, Liwewe led a legion of soccer fans to protest against the handling of a world cup qualifier that was refereed by one Jean Claude Diramba in Morocco. That match effectively closed the door to USA’94 after losing to Morocco in suspicious circumstances in Rabat.
That was his passion for Zambian soccer. When everyone was down, Liwewe would recount how football was 90 minutes and that things could happen in very few seconds in football. When you were a guest in a foreign country two names would always come up, KK and Liwewe. That is the legacy Liwewe leaves behind.
To us countrymen and countrywomen, let us honour Liwewe in a manner fitting a soccer legend, because that is what he was. We are known to be united around football because of Liwewe’s efforts. Let us do so as we mourn this great soccer icon and give him a fitting send off.
To his family, I know that some family members are involved in football already. I would like to urge them to continue carrying the legacy of their father. That is the only way to ensure that his name lives forever.
To the state, this is the time to honour Liwewe by ensuring that one of the national soccer establishments is named after this great son of Zambia. Nothing less than that will be a fitting tribute to this great son of Africa. One could easily say that Liwewe, through his tireless efforts and commentary, single handedly made soccer the sport it is today in this country.
May His Soul Rest In Peace and God Bless him and his family
Hakainde Hichilema
President UPND
Dennis Liwewe’s inspiration transcended Zambian borders-Rupiah Banda
Fourth Republican President Rupiah Banda described Dennis Liwewe as a man whose inspiration transcended the Zambian borders.
Mr Banda, in a statement issued by deputy administrative secretary Kennedy Limwanya, said Mr Liwewe rendered great service to Zambia and his unmistakable voice inspired the entire southern African region.
“He was a good friend of mine and we travelled to many places together including Egypt when Zambia reached the Africa Cup final for the first time in 1974. I send my condolences to his family. The Zambian people loved him so much,” he said.
Below is the full statement
THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
OFFICE OF THE FOURTH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT
Press Release
“LIWEWE INSPIRED BEYOND ZAMBIA”
LUSAKA, 22nd April, 2014—His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, the Fourth President of the Republic of Zambia, has described the late football commentator Dennis Liwewe as a man whose inspiration transcended the Zambian borders.
The former head of State says Liwewe, who died this morning at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital, rendered great service to Zambia and his unmistakable voice inspired the entire southern African region.
“That time, most freedom fighters from southern Africa were here in Zambia and used to listen to his commentaries. So Liwewe was a household voice and a great inspiration to the whole region,” says President Banda.
He further describes Liwewe as a good parent, as exemplified by the achievements of his children.
“He was a good friend of mine and we travelled to many places together including Egypt when Zambia reached the Africa Cup final for the first time in 1974. I send my condolences to his family. The Zambian people loved him so much.”
_____________________________________________________________
Issued by:
Kennedy Limwanya
DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Mpombo dismisses as political gibberish call for MMD de-registration
The Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President George Mpombo has described as political gibberish the statement that the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) should voluntarily de-register if party president Nevers Mumba remains defiant to calls for a convention.
MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya has been quoted to have warned that if the former ruling party waits until 2016 to have Dr. Mumba removed as party President there will be no MMD to talk about the more reason it should de-register itself if it fails to raise money for holding of an extraordinary convention to elect new office-bearers.
[pullquote]what should also be understood is that the issue is not about Dr. Mumba being the MMD president but that it is about the MMD being the biggest opposition political with the capacity to provide check and balances to the PF government.[/pullquote]
But Dr. Mpombo, who is also former Defense Minister under the previous MMD regime, told Qfm news that the idea of having the former ruling party de-registered on the basis of Dr. Mumba’s alleged defiance to calls for a convention has no substance and does not make any sense.
Dr. Mpombo added that such kind of reasoning as has been attributed to Ms. Siliya is also hollow and politically bankrupt as there is no person in his right frame of mind who would subscribe to the de-registration of the former ruling party on the basis of what he has termed as petty wrangles.
The PDP president said what the MMD should instead do is to understand the important role it plays in the working of the countrys democracy especially that it is the biggest opposition political party.
He said it is for this reason that people that are calling for de-registration of the MMD are on the wrong side of history as they do not understand the important role that the former ruling party plays in the democratization process of the country.
The opposition leader said what should also be understood is that the issue is not about Dr. Mumba being the MMD president but that it is about the MMD being the biggest opposition political with the capacity to provide check and balances to the Patriotic Front (PF) government.
He said it is on this basis he also finds the maneuvers to have Dr. Mumba removed as the MMD president as being a parochial agenda as it goes against the very purpose of the existence of the former ruling party.
[QFM]
Sata mourns Dennis Liwewe
President Sata is deeply saddened at the death of legendary football commentator and administrator Mr. Dennis Liwewe, who died in Lusaka today.
In his message of condolences to the Liwewe family, President Sata said the late Mr. Liwewe was an icon who revolutionised Zambian football through his commentaries and many administrative roles he played.
The President said Mr. Liwewe was a reservoir of knowledge in football and leaves a legacy of great patriotism and passion for sport.
“I have known Dennis for many years as a passionate football commentator who helped raise the standards of Zambian football to the level it is today. Dennis has been part of the country’s football journey through the many successes and challenges, and at no time did he drop his chin,” the President said.
The Head of State said Mr. Liwewe was also a vibrant journalist who discharged his duties professionally.
“It is my strong belief that upcoming leaders in sports can tap some wisdom from the life of this great son of Zambia. His passing is a great loss not only to the Liwewe family but to Zambia and Africa as a whole,” the President said.
“On behalf of the Government, the First Lady and indeed on my own behalf, I convey my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Liwewe family. I ask God to grant the bereaved family comfort and strength during this period.”
Issued by:
GEORGE CHELLAH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
My Life is in Danger- Hakainde Hichilema
United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has disclosed that he failed to be part of the political leaders that attended the veneration of the cross on Good Friday because his life was in danger.
Mr Hichilema said he had information that Patriotic Front (PF) cadres were going to attack him at St Ignatius Catholic Church had he gone for the service.Mr Hichilema said although he wanted to be part of other political leaders from the opposition that attended the service, he was unable because he was informed by some good samaritan from within the PF ranks that cadres were planted at St Ignatius Catholic Church to waylay him (Hichilema) and physically assault him for criticizing President Michael Sata.
Mr Hichilema said he was the most wanted person among the PF leadership and that some named leaders in the ruling party had given instructions to the cadres to sort out the opposition leader.
The UPND leader said he was happy when he was invited to attend the Veneration of the Cross by Father Charles Chilinda but when he was told that his life was in danger; he (Hichilema) called the priest informing him that he did not want to turn the church grounds into a bloody battlefield.
Mr Hichilema has appealed to President Sata to come out and condemn and order the immediate arrest of the known criminals attempted to assassinate him in Ndola before he could begin talking of reconciliation.
“I would have loved to be among my colleagues from the opposition and to interact with President Sata. But my life yet again was in danger and I did not want to walk into the trap of the PF. The cadres had a meeting on Friday morning where they issued threats that they will beat anyone criticizing their leader and I was warned by some good samaritan that the cadres were going to waylay me at Church. I did not want to turn the grounds of the blessed St Ignatius Church into a bloody battlefield,” Hichilema said.
He explained that it was possible that the PF were going to attack him and that the ruling party was going to find a reason to arrest the UPND cadres for defending him.
Mr Hichilema said President Sata did not believe in peace and reconciliation adding that while the Catholic Church had good intentions to unite Zambians by asking the political leadership to learn to forgive and reconcile, President Sata was a man who did not believe in peace and love.
Mr Hichilema said he survived an assassination attempt in Ndola because of God’s grace and asked Fr Chilinda to accept and understand his predicament for not attending the church service.
“I spoke to Fr Chilinda and informed him that I was unable to attend because we received information that cadres had been planted at Church to waylay me. I told Fr Chilinda that my life was under threat and I hope he understood,” Mr Hichilema said.
[Daily Nation]