Police stop, teargas Nkombo campaign launch
By George Zulu and Ludia Ngwadzai
HEAVILY armed police officers yesterday blocked former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Nkombo from launching his election campaign at Ndeke grounds in Mazabuka District, firing teargas to disperse residents who had gathered for the event.
Nkombo, who resigned from the United Party for National Development (UPND) and is contesting Mazabuka Central as an independent candidate in the August 13 general election, was walking back to his house when officers turned the canisters on his convoy.
Police had descended on Ndeke grounds as early as 08:00 hours, surrounding the venue with officers armed with short batons and riot gear, and dispersing residents who had arrived ahead of the launch.
The order by Mazabuka District Police deputy officer commanding Stable Chisonga to block the rally angered residents who had gathered for the launch.
Chisonga initially told Nkombo he was not permitted to campaign in Zambia Compound but in Nega Nega.
When Nkombo produced a valid police permit authorising the rally at the venue, Chisonga shifted his position, arguing instead that proceeding would disrupt peace and cause confusion in the area.
But Nkombo insisted and demanding that officers protect his supporters from those seeking to attack them rather than shield those in power from legitimate political activity.
“Look at the crowd, man, I am explaining to you, but you don’t want to listen. I don’t want to cause confusion, I don’t want disruption of peace,” he said as Nkombo asked him to have a meeting at the police on the way forward.
Police closed several roads leading to Ndeke grounds, but trucks ferrying residents to the launch continued arriving.
Chisonga’s attempt to halt proceedings only drew larger crowds.
Nkombo proceeded on foot into the compound, attracting more residents as he walked, while officers pleaded with him to stop.
Residents denounced the UPND leadership throughout, calling for a change of government.
