HRC SLAMS KILLING OF TWO PF MEMBERS

By ADRIAN MWANZA THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) has condemned the killing of two Patriotic Front (PF) supporters by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters in Lusaka’s Kanyama Township on Friday. HRC spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya said the horrendous act of depriving the victims of their right to life was unfair and that culprits must be punished to prevent more criminal acts and grave violations or abuse of human rights. Mr Muleya said the brutal killing of the duo was repugnant to the fact that all human beings were endowed with reason and conscience and must act towards each other in a humane manner. “As a long-term solution, the country must seriously assess the negative impact of drug abuse on crime and violation of human rights and develop a robust national rehabilitation programme to create a humane society,” he said. He said it was extremely regrettable that the apparent politically-related murder happened barely three days after the HRC called on all political party leaders to order their supporters to lay down their weapons. Mr Muleya commended the Zambia Police Service for swiftly arresting the suspected perpetrators and appealed for professionalism and respect for the rights of suspects, particularly in accordance with Articles 15 and 18 of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia to avoid miscarriage of justice. “The Commission commiserates with the families of the deceased male citizens. It is regrettable that life deprived could never be restored but the Commission prays that the unfettered wheels of justice will contribute to atoning their pain caused by the unbearable loss,” he said. He appealed to various interest groups and institutions to allow the police to professionally deal with the high-grade criminal matter without any form of interference. Mr Muleya called on the police to undertake thorough investigations devoid of illegal acts and any other conduct or utterances that could undermine the integrity of evidence in the courts of law. He reiterated the earlier call to all political party leaders to order their supporters to stop all acts of violence and contribute to creating a peaceful environment for democratic participation of the electorate in the August elections.