Lubinda abduction, brutal attack, criminal – stakeholders
By Thandizo Banda
STAKEHOLDERS have strongly condemned the abduction, violent and brutal attack of Patriotic Front (PF) acting president, Given Lubinda.
Socialist Party leader Dr Fred M’membe described the abduction, in broad daylight, of Lubinda as an act of lawlessness, brutality, and barbarism of the highest order under President Hakainde Hichilema’s reign.
“But the abduction of Hon Lubinda is not an isolated incident. It is a method that is being perfected by the UPND with impunity,” Dr M’membe said.
He observed that political abductions of opponents had severe, far-reaching consequences that impact individuals, political systems, and national stability.
“These consequences range from immediate physical and psychological harm to the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law. This shouldn’t be tolerated at all,” he said.
PF presidential aspirant Makebi Zulu warned that if law enforcement agencies fail to arrest those involved in the alleged abduction of Lubinda in Kabwe on Wednesday, the party would pursue private prosecutions to bring the perpetrators to book.
Zulu accused the UPND of using political intimidation to suppress opposition voices, describing the incident as an attack on democracy and human rights.
He said the incidence reflects a growing culture of lawlessness, warning that such acts would not be tolerated if Zambia were to remain a democracy.
“It is clear that UPND supporters are being influenced by senior government figures who publicly revived cadreism despite earlier promises to end political thuggery,” he said.
Bwacha Constituency member of Parliament Sydney Mshanga described the attack as deeply saddening, unfortunate, and concerning.
Mshanga urged Zambians to condemn the culture of violence the UPND was known for.
“As a citizen who has lived in Kabwe all my lifetime, I am particularly disheartened that Zambia, especially Kabwe, a place known for its peace, love, and national unity, could witness such an incident,” he said.
Mshanga said violence threatens the safety and security of the entire nation.
“It is never acceptable and must not be allowed to take root.
We must guard the peace, unity, and love that Zambia has cherished for generations,” he said.
He said Kabwe had always promoted peace, unity, love, and stood for democracy.
“This has defined our character and way of life since independence. It is extremely troubling to see our own brothers, friends, and community members being used to attack fellow citizens, driven by individuals with malicious motives and willing to inflict harm in exchange for a few coins. This is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately,” he said.
Mshanga urged the Zambia Police to arrest known perpetrators.
“…bring those to book, so that their arrest serves as a strong deterrent to anyone who may attempt to instigate violence,” he said.
Meanwhile, Citizens First president, Harry Kalaba called for action against perpetrators of the violence against Lubinda.
“Today it is Lubinda, tomorrow will be Kalaba, the other day M’membe, so forth and so on. Given Lubinda is a distinguished politician having served as Justice Minister and Member of Parliament, He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs too and everyone is interested to see how the matter will proceed,” Kalaba said.
Kalaba said it was appalling to witness how the police were being used to sanitize crimes committed by UPND members.
