By SYLVESTER MWALE –
POLICE in Kabwe have arrested United Party for National Development (UPND) parliamentary candidate for Bwacha Constituency, Saidi Chibwana, and two other cadres in connection with the political violence which occurred last week.
Mr Chibwana was detained yesterday for malicious damage to property after Patriotic Front (PF) candidate Sydney Mushanga reported him to the police that he had stoned his motor vehicle during an incident on June 20, this year.
UPND district youth chairperson Ahmed Lubinga and John Mwiinga have also been arrested in connection with another incident in Kizito area on Sunday.
They are accused of leading a group of cadres in beating residents of Kizito, which resulted in serious injuries to five people, including Zambia Correctional Services deputy commissioner Nambela Pumulo.
Central Province Police commissioner Lombe Kamukoshi confirmed the arrest, but refused to give further details as the matter was sensitive.
“Yes, he (Mr Chibwana) has been arrested, but this is sensitive, so if you want the details go to Prospects Police Post where he has been taken,” Ms Kamukoshi said.
It was alleged that Mr Chibwana led some UPND cadres in shattering the windscreen of Mr Mushanga’s canter during campaign meetings in Mpima area.
A check at the Central Division headquarters yesterday morning found scores of UPND cadres demanding for the immediate release of Mr Chibwana who was being interrogated by the police.
The number of irate cadres outside the police station increased by midday and police reinforcement was called in when it became apparent that violence was imminent.
However, Mr Chibwana, who was accompanied by his lawyer Mulilo Kabesha, was whisked away from the Central Division headquarters to Prospects Police Post on Kabwe-Lusaka Road where he was officially arrested.
The cadres accused the police of being unprofessional.
UPND candidate for Kabwe Central McDonald Mwamba said outside the police station that the party would not allow the police to arrest Mr Chibwana, as he had done nothing wrong.
Mr Mwamba asked the cadres to remain peaceful but firm.
Mr Chibwana, who will appear in court soon, was released on police bond.