UPND wants party cadres punished for attacking EFF leader, Mwenda

Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary-General, Batuke Imenda, has called on the police to investigate the alleged attack on Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president, Kasonde Mwenda, by party cadres on the Copperbelt.

Imenda also advised the police to extend the investigation to Sinda District of Eastern Province, where alleged UPND cadres attacked the District Commissioner and closed the Office with force.

The UPND Secretary-General in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday stated that all law breakers should be brought to book saying no lawlessness should be condoned under President Hakainde Hichilema’s watch.

He said what happened on the Copperbelt was not only regrettable but was a serious indictment on the party’s commitment to the restoration of the rule of law.

“My office has received the alleged United Party for National Development (UPND) members’ attack on the EFF President, Mwenda, and the closure of the District Commissioner’s office in Sinda District,” Imenda stated.

He recalled that the UPND assumed leadership in 2021 on the basis of respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens and the rule of law.

“Arising from the aforesaid, I wish to warn all those party members taking the law in their own hands that should they be found wanting or on the bad side of the law, they will be on their own,” he warned.

Imenda also asked the Provincial leadership in the affected areas to constitute a team of officials to thoroughly investigate and ensure the perpetrators were brought before the party tribunal for disciplinary measures.

He stated that as this process was being undertaken, strict adherence to party rules and regulations should be upheld.

“Further, my office wishes to guide that party members are not above the law as such , we call upon law enforcement agencies to protect all citizens regardless of their political affiliation from any form of abuse,” Imenda said.

Zambia Monitor had reported that while holding a briefing in Kitwe, Mwenda was attacked and later picked by the police for unlawful assembly. Oh his part, Sinda alleged UPND cadres closed the DC’s office.

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