from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – A WAR of words and violence is escalating between the rival parties ahead of the August 13 elections in Zambia.
This does not bode well for credible elections, exactly a fortnight before millions go to polls.
The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), the opposition led by Brian Mundubile, alleged its aligned musicians- Rich Bizzy, Shenky, Chester and Kadafi- were brutally attacked by cadres of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) on Thursday morning in Solwezi.
It is the provincial capital of the mineral-rich North-Western province.
Mundubile accused President Hakainde Hichilema of sending UPND cadres to attack NRPUP members.
Mundubile claimed the faces of the cadres were known because his party had proof obtained through footage on their criminal act.
“I challenge you now to instruct the police to arrest these cadres immediately,” he said.
Mundubile called on the international community to address the violence and call for peace before, during and after the general elections.
“I also call upon all Zambians to reject violence and thuggery by voting out this hypocritical government and vote for NRPUP,” he said.
The UPND has hit back.
Mark Simuuwe, UPND Media Director, said, “Mr Mundubile has publicly claimed that his party is in possession of video footage identifying the alleged perpetrators.
“If his interest is genuinely to assist the pursuit of justice, rather than score political points, he should immediately submit the complete, unedited footage and any other evidence in his possession to the Zambia Police Service to aid investigations.”
“It is irresponsible to seek to prosecute matters through social media while investigations are still underway,” Simuuwe said.
“Attempting to assign blame before the relevant authorities have established the facts risks undermining due process and unnecessarily heightening political tensions at a time when the country is preparing for a peaceful general election.”
Zambia is tense ahead of elections, when Hichilema seeks a second term after winning polls in 2021.
His main rival and predecessor, Edgar Lungu, died last year in South Africa after an illness.
The government and the Lungu family have since been locked in a bitter wrangle over his burial.
South Africa’s apex court has ruled in favour of the deceased’s family.
– CAJ News