Condemn UPND violence, Mundubile urges HH
By Ludia Ngwadzai in Nsama
NATIONAL Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to publicly denounce the political violence being perpetrated by United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres.
Mundubile was disappointed that Hichilema had failed to condemn the recent killings committed by his cadres during the ongoing political campaigns.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Nsama District in Northern Province during the holidays, Mundubile said several people had been killed after being attacked by armed UPND cadres but their leader had remained silent.
He urged Hichilema to dissociate himself from those responsible if it was not him sending them to beat and kill people.
“So far, we have had a man killed in Kaputa by UPND cadres and they accused our member, but after that confession, we were now told that the person who killed him is a UPND cadre over change and food. In Lusaka, a radio repairer was beaten and killed for playing a song for Mundubile, and Mr Hichilema is quiet about it. In Mazabuka, a driver was killed by well-known UPND cadres in Magoye for driving a car for an independent candidate. In Monze, people are being hacked. In Mandevu another person was killed by known UPND cadres, and so far, Mr Hichilema has said nothing about these killings,” Mundubile said.
He said the killings by the UPND were senseless and shameful.
There had been attempts to pin the blame on the opposition, but that the truth has come out.
Mundubile said so far, eight people had been attacked and killed in Lusaka, North-western, Western and Southern provinces by UPND cadres.
He said four people were attacked and killed in Kanyama in incidents involving UPND cadres.
Mundubile said his team had conducted a peaceful campaign despite what he termed repeated provocations.
“This is our 40th rally, and we have not engaged in violence. We have encountered UPND cadres who have blocked our path in an attempt to provoke us, but we have exercised restraint,” he said.
Mundubile said his supporters had refrained from retaliating during confrontations in Chipangali while en route to Nsama District.
The alliance remained committed to peaceful campaigning.
Mundubile appealed to Hichilema to publicly condemn all forms of political violence and ensure that perpetrators were brought to book.
“Publicly condemn the loss of lives in Chawama, Kaputa, Monze, Magoye and Kanyama. If you are not responsible for these deaths, denounce your cadres publicly,” he urged Hichilema.
