CATHERINE MUMBA, VIOLET MENGO, Lusaka
INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police Kakoma Kanganja says police will soon hold a meeting with all political party secretaries-general to discuss the wearing of military attire by cadres.
Mr Kanganja said in an interview yesterday that police have not taken action yet against ‘erring’ cadres because they have not formally met political parties.
“The police will only decide the course of action to take against cadres found wearing military attire after discussing with their political party leaders,” Mr Kanganja said.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Front (PF) deputy secretary-general Mumbi Phiri has appealed to all political parties to openly condemn violence ahead of the August 11, general elections.
Speaking when she and United Party for National Development (UPND) vice-president for political affairs Canisius Banda featured on the Hot Issue programme on Hot FM on Wednesday evening, Mrs Phiri said the violence that the country has continued experiencing is sad, detrimental, the growth of the country and the holding of free and fair general elections.
Mrs Phiri, however, said with political will from the top leadership of all political parties condemning violence, the country would again enjoy the peace that it is known for.
“President Lungu at many occasions has been speaking against violence and has called on the opposition political parties to condemn violence and ensure those perpetrating violence are severely dealt with,” Mrs Phiri said.
She said the country will be safe if all political parties, especially UPND and PF, work together to fight violence.
Mrs Mumbi said no Zambian would want the country to go to war or be destroyed as a result of the continued violence.
“We are looking at people that we are going to rule; how are we going to rule if people are fighting and wanting to bring civil war? It’s time for us as leaders to stop the blame-game, come out and be strong in criticising the violence being perpetrated,” she said.
And Dr Banda said it is important for Zambians to live in unity and peace.
Dr Banda, however, stunned Ms Phiri when he claimed that the UPND has never been violent.