Caritas Zambia has indicated that repeated warnings by President Hakainde Hichilema that political violence perpetrators are “on their own” have failed to stop attacks ahead of next week’s general elections.
The remarks come amid growing concern over recent incidents of alleged political violence, including an attack in Luampa District, Western Province, where the NRPUP Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and party official Makebi Zulu’s convoy was blocked and stoned by suspected UPND cadres while on a campaign tour.
They also follow another alleged incident in Mwembezhi East’s Nampeya Ward, where musician General Kanene, whose real name is Clifford Dimba, was reportedly struck on the head with a panga by suspected UPND cadres allegedly armed with pangas and golf sticks while performing.
Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Caritas Zambia Executive Director, Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga said every act of political violence, regardless of the number of incidents, should worry the nation as Zambia moves closer to polling day.
“First of all, any violence, whether it is one incident or two or many, if it is one, we get worried because as we approach the election season, it is a big worry for us,” said Fr. Mapulanga.
He added that political party leaders must take responsibility for controlling their supporters, insisting that the ruling party carries an even greater responsibility because it is in government.
“We don’t want the general statements of ‘you are on your own’ because that doesn’t work, all we want is a voice to address the police to arrest the perpetrators,” said Fr. Mapulanga.
He told ZBT that police officers are often present when violent incidents occur but rarely take immediate action, saying investigations usually begin only after victims have already been attacked and suspects have dispersed.
“The main control to violence is the police, but even the police are scared of their bosses, then violence will not stop and it will continue as usual,” said Fr. Mapulanga.
He urged law enforcement agencies to act impartially.
“If the UPND were doing this, arrest the UPND and if it is the opposition, arrest them until the police show us who is responsible,” said Fr. Mapulanga.
Meanwhile, responding to claims by some UPND members that certain attacks could have been staged by rival political parties to tarnish the ruling party’s image, Fr. Mapulanga dismissed the explanation as unconvincing.
“I think that is not honest because if they know those are not their members, let them arrest them because that is a lame excuse,” he said.
Article by Phillip Sinkala
