HATEMBOS’ ABDUCTION: Police break through?

By KALOBWE BWALYA SENIOR Chief Mukuni’s wife, Veronica has been apprehended and is expected in Lusaka to join those in detention who are also believed to be linked with the missing Hatembo siblings. It is believed that Ms Mukuni was constantly in touch with the missing Hatembos, with records showing that Pheluna, used her cellphone to make calls, an indication that she might have spent some time at the palace. It is also believed that mobilisation of cadres at Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s house on Sunday was intended to prevent a search for the Hatembos and other actors implicated in the abduction but are on the run. Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kampyongo yesterday warned that if UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema or anyone else has participated in the abduction of Pheluna and Milton Hatembo, the Police would pursue all suspects regardless of their status in society. Mr Kampyongo said no one was above the law and the perception which UPND was creating that they can prevent such an arrest was ridiculous as the Police had a constitutional obligation to maintain law and order and can investigate and pursue any suspected criminal. He said the anarchy and lawlessness being promoted by the UPND will not be tolerated as no one is above the law. Mr Kampyongo said Government has an obliga- tion to maintain peace, order and security of the country and would not allow anyone to be- have as if they were above the law. He warned Mr Hichilema and UPND spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa to stop causing public alarm, political hysteria and promoting anar- chy in the country. Mr Kampyongo was react- ing to reports of UPND youths marching to Mr Hichilema’s home to allegedly prevent him from being arrested by the Zambia Police. The minister warned that Government will not allow any citizen who intends to contin- ue alarming the nation for the sake of political mileage. Mr Kampyongo who said this when he featured on HOT FM radio station’s Hot Breakfast Show programme, yesterday however dismissed allegations that the ruling Patriotic Front had a scheme to arrest and kill Mr Hichilema or prevent him from partici- pating in the August 12 general elections. He said the allegations be- ing peddled by Mr Mweetwa were causing public alarm and hysteria and the government would not allow lawlessness to reign. And Mr Kampyongo ap- pealed to Mr Hichilema to provide leadership in his par- ty in the on-going intra-party elections. He said the wide threats and violence that has characterised the UPND in- tra-party elections was regret- table and Mr Hichilema or his leadership has failed to con- demn the violence. He said the reports from places such as Chingola, Kabwata in Lusaka, Choma, Monze and Mkushi showed high level of intolerance in the UPND that had degenerated to violence.