… _as he describes police action as wanton repression in a constitutional democracy, abuse of state institutions, heightened human rights and constitutional violations_
Socialist Party (SP) president, Fred M’membe says the move by the police to storm a private meeting between former President Edgar Lungu and Catholic Diocese of Kabwe Bishop, Clement Mulenga, is a major blow to the country’s reputation, image and democratic credentials.
Dr M’membe said it is unfortunate that President Hichilema and his regime are ripping the country apart without any shame.
” This is sad and embarrassing, to say the least.
“The decision by the Zambia Police to barge into a private meeting between Mr Edgar Lungu and Bishop Clement Mulenga of the Catholic Diocese of Kabwe, uninvited, in uniform and without a warrant is shameful and most unfortunate,” Dr M’membe said.
He said Zambia’s constitution guarantees that every citizen must be equal and be protected before the law.
Dr M’membe said all citizens are equal before the law without any discrimination.
The opposition leader said the police are supposed to respect and protect all citizens regardless of their status or political affiliation.
“Therefore, this wanton repression in a constitutional democracy, abuse of state institutions, heightened human rights and constitutional violations coupled with systematic tribalism and corruption being perpetrated by Mr Hakainde Hichilema using the police is cheap, dangerous and unacceptable, ” Dr M’membe said
He said the intimidation and harassment of Mr Lungu and Bishop Mulenga by Mr Hichilema’s police in Kabwe, is a major blow to the country’s reputation, image and democratic credentials.
“We know Mr Hichilema has failed. He is gripped by fear of losing power. It is this fear that is now propelling his decision and action against his political opponents and religious leaders,” Dr M’membe said.
He said President Hichilema is fully aware that things are not well.
” The ground has shifted, and the quick fixing he promised the people to win the election has become impossible. People are fed up with his lies, deception, and arrogance,” he said
Dr M’membe added that Mr Hichilema’s efforts to mask his fear with a macho posturing is failing and it cannot be concealed anymore.
” Mr Hichilema’s vulnerabilities are showing on his face and can be picked up in his tone and speeches.
“But Mr Hichilema must know that putting a lid on political activities, including private meetings with religious leaders, as was the case today with Mr Lungu and Bishop Mulenga, is a desperate measure that won’t work. It will backfire very badly! ” Dr M’membe said.
He wondered for how long and how far will Mr Hichilema continue to use the police to curtail the people’s right to the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
He remind President Hichilema that consistent repression and suppression of democratic values by the police only lead to daily confrontations between the police and the citizens, which eventually result in quick erosion of the people’s trust, respect, confidence and dignity in the police.
“This desperation is destroying the police service and our society in general. This government is making the police be viewed as an extension of the UPND, which deserves no respect and recognition from the citizens. They’re cheapening the police service.
“Mr Hichilema must not think the people will always be quiet and tolerate this nonsense. If he thinks these dictatorial ways and excesses will be acceptable, then he is in for a rude awakening in 2026, ” Dr M’membe said.
He called upon all Zambians of goodwill and intention to unite and defend their liberties and human dignity.
“If we choose to resist and struggle, we will win!,” Dr M’membe said.
This is contained in a statement issued by SP Director Media, Brian Hapunda.Â
