STOP LOOTING, ADVISES MASUPA

WINNERS in the just ended elections should not to be vindictive but show love to the losers, Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) President David Masupa has advised. Bishop Masupa said reports of looting and damaging property of opponents by suspected UPND members was disturbing. He said in an interview that winners should be sensitive not to rub salt in the wounds of losers but must extend an olive branch because beyond elections, the country was ‘One Zambia, One Nation’. “We therefore call on the UPND members to stop looting and damaging their political opponents’ property. They have won and there is no need to be violent. Let them celebrate in peace but should not be vindictive but show love to the losers,” Bishop Masupa said. Bishop Masupa encouraged the losers to embrace peace and support the winners to take the country to better height. His remarks follow reports of looting and property damage at ECL Mall in Kitwe and damages at the Patriotic Front Secretariat. Eleven shops at Kitwe’s ECL mall had been looted by some Kitwe residents resulting in the loss of thousands in money, merchandise and property. Some shops were also looted in Lusaka yesterday. The incident happened moments after the declaration of the presidential results pronouncing UPND president Hakainde Hichilema as Zambia’s 7th president elect. Meanwhile, the Zambia Police has expressed suddenness that criminals have taken advantage of celebrations of the declaration of president elect, Hakainde Hichilema to commit various offences. Police spokesperson, Esther Katongo, warned that lawlessness will not be tolerated and anyone found wanting shall be dealt with in accordance with the law. Ms Katongo said the police would continue patrolling streets to ensure people’s properties were safeguarded. By SIMON MUNTEMBA