FODEP WARNS KAMWBILI’S ARREST MAY APPEAR POLITICALLY MOTIVATED
By Joseph Kaputula
The Foundation for Democratic Process-FODEP has warned that recent arrests of political figures, such as that of former Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili, risk creating a public perception that state institutions are being used by the ruling party to silence opponents.
On Wednesday, Mr Kambwili was arrested while in prison prior to his release yesterday for illegal entry into Zimbabwe, an offence reportedly committed in December last year.
Reacting to the arrest, FODEP Executive Director Elijah Rubvuta argues that even if an arrest is legally justified, the way the public perceives the justice process is equally important.
Mr Rubvuta has called for a consistent, transparent and fair application of the law to preserve public confidence and protect democratic norms, noting that a robust democracy depends not only on strict legal compliance but also on adherence to the spirit and purpose of the law.
PHOENIX NEWS
Ba FODEP is it not a fact that Kambwili attempted to flee into Zimbabwe and was apprehended across the border?
Is the charge for which Kambwili is arrested not correct?
After being arrested and charged for an immigration crime, has he not been released after meeting the bond conditions?
How then is it political? Lets speak up on valid issues and not bloat up politicans as if they are the only Zambians. You are quiet about Laura Miti and her failure to do her job because she is one of you. Yet you claim to be an NGO? Who do you stand for? Making noise today cause you have no seat and the table you always sat.
FODEP is misguided. The law is not emotional or concerned about the optics. Facts guide the law not public sentiments. Its nice to see the law finally expressing itself, going into spaces where it was thought were untouchable. Once upon a time only the ordinary person on the street knew how much the law bites when you offend it, today the untouchables in ivory towers also have a new appreciation for the law. Sanity is now preveling.
The danger in Zambia is that a lot of people are manipulated by the so called men of God and of Zambia being a christian nation blinding them from serious double standards practiced by most opposition parties and interested clergy. This runs accross the nation and also include well educated people who should know better. God forbid, had PF won the 2021 elections Zambia would be 20 times worse without any hope of financial recovery. The entire PF, Tonse and most opposition leaders and they clergy are only interested in lootiong, and receiving looted assets and brown envelopes. They don’t have any interest to serve. There aim is to get into government and emulate Lungu in terms of looting, corruption and obtaining loans for their pockets.
I didn’t expect such contribution from this organization ! Are we looking at people’s perceptions or following the law ? If it’s true that Chishimba Kambwili broke the law what is the fuss? Things are being done correctly so why worry. ,? Nobody is being cheated here. Most of PF leadership was rotten so they are simply paying the right price. Look at our former vice president Inonge Wina – she is enjoying her retirement because she was conscious of her job. Those who thought were clever are suffering. This is a very good practical lesson even to the sitting government. A precedent has been set so watch out but nobody will touch if you work well and honesty. Surely where can they start from ?