‘Disarm political cadres’

By SIMON MUNTEMBA                                                                                               POLICE should carry out disarmament exercise for political party cadres that are in possession of firearms ahead of the August 12 elections, says New Heritage Party president Chishala Kateka. Ms Kateka noted that during elections political violence has always taken root and charged that guns were being used indiscriminately. She said there …

‘Disarm political cadres’
By SIMON MUNTEMBA                                                                                               POLICE should carry out disarmament exercise for political party cadres that are in possession of firearms ahead of the August 12 elections, says New Heritage Party president Chishala Kateka. Ms Kateka noted that during elections political violence has always taken root and charged that guns were being used indiscriminately. She said there was need for stakeholders to undertake preventive measures as the country heads towards the August 12 general elections to avoid loss of lives. “We as New Heritage Party are concerned about a potential situation that may arise and which although would not be of the ECZ’s making is something that the ECZ with both foresight and timely action, could avert,” she said. Ms Kateka accused political party cadres belonging to UPND and Patriotic Front (PF) of being perpetrators of political violence. “Whilst the violence is largely between PF and UPND, we cannot ignore the fact that this puts all Zambians at risk as this violence has the potential to escalate into unmanageable situation for the security forces. When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” Ms Kateka said. She said that there could be no free elections under such a violent atmosphere where cadres were armed. Ms Kateka added: “We are therefore appealing to the ECZ to join us to call Zambia Police to carry out a disarmament exercise concerning political cadres ahead of the elections.” She also called on fellow political leaders to ensure their supporters do not engage in violence.