.UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema’s

By XAVIER MANCHISHI –

UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to use vulnerable sections of society to engage in lawlessness for his political capital is highly disappointing, Government has said.

Acting Chief Government spokesperson Fackson Shamenda said yesterday that the culture of lawlessness among political party cadres should be condemned in the strongest terms.

On Monday, police and UPND cadres clashed at Woodlands Police Station where a warn-and-caution statement was recorded from Mr Hichilema for alleged publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public.

“We have enough lessons to learn from what is happening in other countries and Zambia cannot afford the luxury of descending into such anarchy.

“A case in point is Monday’s fracas at Woodlands Police Station where opposition UPND cadres clashed with police when their leader Mr Hakainde Hichilema was summoned there,” Mr Shamenda said in a statement.

He said Government was particularly disappointed that this happened in total disregard of prior police warning for the UPND cadres to stay away from the police station when their leader was called for questioning.

Mr Shamenda said the impunity and disregard for the law and order exhibited by the UPND cadres was unacceptable.

He warned the perpetrators of stern action in line with the provisions of the law.

“Government has a duty to protect life and property and will, therefore, not allow a breakdown of law and order at the hands of irresponsible and indisciplined party cadres regardless of their political affiliation,” he said.

Mr Shamenda, who is the Labour and Social Security Minister, said Zambians had nothing to gain from such selfish acts, except to plant seeds of lawlessness, disunity and disorder in the nation.

He warned that Government would not allow acts of deliberate provocation of law

enforcement agencies in their course of duty to maintain law and order.

Mr Shamenda also described as unacceptable, insinuations by MMD vice-president for political affairs, Michael Kaingu that the Anti-Corruption Commission was shielding corrupt ministers.

“This is a transparent and accountable Government which has nothing to hide. Dr Kaingu, like any other citizen, is free to approach the ACC on any matter of concern to him and not issue malicious allegations in the media against Government leaders which he cannot substantiate,” Mr Shamenda said.