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The New Heritage Party has expressed deep sorrow over recent events where the government, through its Police Force and armed cadres, halted a scheduled rally in Mandevu Compound.
Party president, Chishala Kateka, stated that this occurred despite the party’s strict adherence to the Public Order Act.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Kateka alleged that authorities deployed heavily armed police while the United Party for National Development (UPND) transported machete and panga-wielding cadres to the site.
She claimed this was a clear attempt to intimidate and potentially harm peace-loving Zambian citizens.
“This brazen action makes it abundantly clear that the Zambian police and security agencies are not serving the public but are instead operating under the directives of President Hakainde Hichilema, who recently announced he was going to get tough with the opposition,” Kateka said.
She further alleged that the government’s actions were intended to expose innocent people to dangers posed by what she described as an oppressive and bloodthirsty UPND regime and its cadres.
Kateka added that the UPND, which had claimed not to have cadres, had revealed its true nature as a hypocritical and violent party, afraid of its own shadow.
“To our members, we urge you not to despair in the face of this blatant attack on our democratic rights,” she appealed.
Kateka thanked party members and the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) partners for showing restraint and not engaging the provocateurs.
She assured members that the party remained committed to employing all legal and democratic means to restore their God-given rights.
“Together, we will stand firm against this unjust repression. Thank you for your continued support and vigilance,” Kateka said.
In response, UPND Media Deputy Director, Cheelo Katambo, distanced the party from the actions of the alleged cadres at the rally, affirming that the UPND continued to promote a political environment free of such behaviour.
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