POLICE NAB 108 UPND CADRES

By SIMON MUNTEMBA ONE hundred and eighty UPND cadres have been arrested for damaging property and assaulting people. Those picked up included 15, who were in UPND President Hakainde Hichilema’s entourage who left a trail of destruction as they brutally assaulted several PF members in Chisamba on Friday. Zambia Police spokesperson, Esther Katongo, said out of the 108, two suspects were arrested in connection with the assault, which occurred on Friday, last week when the UPND leader was in Chisamba for campaign. “Those arrested have been identified as Alick Mbewe and Kennedy Sichone of Chisamba turn-off. Investigations have continued,” Ms Katongo said. Ms Katongo also said police in Ikelengi have arrested 19 suspects in connection with the riotous behaviour on Friday. She said this was during a burial procession involving some UPND members following the death of their member, Ms Betty Chipoya who died on July 21 at her home. Ms Katongo explained that on their way back from burial at about 15: 00 hours, the UPND cadres attacked some PF cadres at Ikelengi Market and pulled down some of their campaign materials. She said police officers had to fire teargas canisters to disperse the unruly UPND cadres. Ms Katongo said the UPND cadres also damaged some window panes at a local police station and  a wind screen of a police motor vehicle registration number ZP 2154 B which was parked there. She said the UPND cadres then assaulted, a journalist working for ZANIS, Victor Mwila who was on duty and he sustained multiple injuries in the head and complained of some general body pains. The cadres also grabbed a government camera, his mobile phone and K1, 000 cash. “The total number of suspects arrested for various political related offences as of yesterday, 24th July, 2021 is 108,” Ms Katongo said.