VIOLENCE IN CHOMA
OVER FIVE INJURED AS UPND, INDEPENDENT CAMPAIGN TEAMS CLASH IN CHOMA.
More than five supporters from the camp of Independent Choma Central parliamentary candidate Baker Chakwana have reportedly been injured following a violent clash with supporters of UPND candidate Cornelius Mweetwa at Makalanguzu Market in Choma.
The incident occurred approximately 500 metres northwest of the Zamtel Mochipapa offices when the two campaign teams reportedly crossed paths during intensified campaigns ahead of the August General Election.
Speaking in a phone interview with Choma Maanu News, Mr. Chakwana said more than five people from his camp sustained serious injuries as they allegedly tried to prevent UPND supporters from advancing towards his vehicle.
Mr. Chakwana said his team was conducting campaigns in Simacheche Ward in line with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) approved campaign timetable. He added that the matter has since been reported to Choma Central Police Station.
He further alleged that this was the third time attempts had been made to prevent him from exercising his constitutional right to campaign.
Responding to the allegations, UPND candidate for Choma Central and party spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said it was not a time for a blame game, adding that he had no control over those involved in the violence.
Mr. Mweetwa reiterated the UPND’s position against electoral violence, saying the party does not condone such acts. He alleged that Mr. Chakwana’s supporters forced their way into the UPND campaign group, leading to the confrontation.
The former Choma Member of Parliament said Makalanguzu Market is a public place where people move freely regardless of ward boundaries. He pledged to engage Mr. Chakwana on how the two camps could better coordinate their campaign activities, noting that Choma is a small town. He also condemned the violence and distanced himself from the attacks.
Meanwhile, the exact number of people injured from the UPND camp has not yet been established, although the party has confirmed that some of its supporters also sustained injuries.
Police had not yet issued an official statement on the incident by the time of publication.
©️ CHOMA MAANU NEWS