Police and UPND Should Handle Thugs Terrorizing Citizens Just Like Those Inciting Tribal War Are Being Dealt with by the Law
Dear Inspector General of Police,
In the past week, we have witnessed two unfortunate incidents involving cadres allegedly associated with the UPND, despite party leaders distancing themselves from these individuals. The first incident involved masked thugs hurling insults at the former president. Secondly, we observed some cadres brandishing machetes. Those thugs were supposed to be booked for public nuisance immediately and clean the streets.
Some of us don’t agree with former president Mr. Edgar and his colleagues, but showering him with such insults is not right. President Hakainde Hichilema, was treated in this similar manner by PF cadres and some of us denounced it. The law should hold him accountable for the wrongs he did but not such insults. Let all those who offended pass through the due legal process.
Mr. Inspector General, this is reminiscent of the chaos that began under the previous administration, and no right-thinking Zambian today wants to see such lawlessness. It is imperative that the police take full responsibility for our national internal security rather than allowing such duties to fall into the hands of thugs. We don’t want these thugs to also grow wings and start urinating into citizens mouths as it was in the past. It just starts like this thus you must be concerned.
The outcome of this negligence could be dire, with thugs potentially attacking police officers or desecrating police premises. We must restore order and sanity in our country. Please ensure that the police force maintains control over security matters and prevents political thugs from assuming duties meant for trained officers.
Furthermore, the UPND provincial and youth leadership must also take responsibility. As the ruling party, UPND leaders should be concerned if individuals are causing trouble in the party’s name. It is essential to demand that those involved face immediate action by law enforcement, including those propagating hate speech. Many of us are still traumatized by the violence we witnessed under the previous administration.
One significant measure of the difference between the past president and the current one is their respective political will to stop thugs from terrorizing citizens. Since 2021, the president has consistently denounced thuggery, in stark contrast to what we saw in the past. Youth leaders, this responsibility falls on you. You know your members, and if these troublemakers are not UPND members, you should question the police’s tolerance.
Zambians rose against thuggery politics in 2021, and they certainly do not wish to see weapons in the wrong hands again. UPND leaders, it is your responsibility to help build a positive image of the president. It is in such incidents that you need to demonstrate your commitment to preserving the president’s reputation.
Thank you for your attention to these urgent matters.
Sincerely,
SIKAILE C SIKAILE
GOOD GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST
The author of this article always claims to be good governance and human rights activists but through and through his articles, there is little evidence of what he preaches about his activism but a well articulated aligned activist of UPND.
To those who are politically, socially, economically and culturally aligned with UPND, they are happy that the now Police force in full swing of torturing, terrorising and punishing any person from other tribes who are saying what they are seeing as targeting northerners and easterners as un Zambian are facing brutality of a police force of retired , retarded , corrupt, incompetent, violent criminals in the uniform of Zambia police.
Today enjoy the same charges you are being to your sore enemies will revisit you and more importantly you can not silence people who are determined and resolved to stand up for criminals and tribalist like the author. People will look for anything that you have written in the past and use it to punish you. Vengeance brings injustice., instability, violence, division, hated and destruction of the fabrics of the society. Zambia has no police for all Zambians no wonder the promotions of people from southern province was rapid and unprecedented. Check how many police commissioners who are Tonga or in three top positions. This is why the police has lost its credibility
Well said and straight to the point Mr Author. It is timely warning and advice to UPND. Zambians hate violence and they would rather sleep hungry than associate with violent party.
1) In UNIP beside economic hardships in the late 80s to 90s the worst experience was the UNIP CADERS called Vigilantes it contributed to UNIP to go faster.
2) The MMD carders of with pangas costed MMD elections
3) PF CARDERS with pangas costed the party elections
4) UPND will be no exception if they don’t handle violent carders properly. From Lungu they will go to another former leader, from there into bus stations and markerts then to general members & it be too late.
Sikaile Sikaile you represent the future . You talk sense and I can see one day you will lead this country continue working hard and engage the people. Congrats young man. If you want to be president stay away from known criminals. You know them. I don’t have say anything. Bravo Sikaile Sikaile.
Sikaile Sikaile,there’s nothing wrong with being a slow learner.It has taken UPND cadres to enlighten you. Zambian good behaviour or misbehaviour applies to all, regardless of political affliation or regional origin You are all siblings as if born from the same mother and father. This applies to all vices including corruption. As things stand where ever a Zambian is,look for all kinds of vices and counter them. Your battle based on targeting only your brethren in the opposition will be only a job half done. Educate all Zambians as to
the various scourges. A mere change of political party is not even a simplistic remedy but grossly duft.