Africa-Press – Zambia. Police in Lusaka are on the hunt for the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters –EFF- leader Kasonde Mwenda, who is currently evading arrest. Mr. Mwenda is the mastermind behind a planned protest against the awarding of a tender to micro ocean consortium to construct the Ndola-Lusaka dual carriage way.
According to Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale, “brief facts are that Mr. Mwenda, on March 3, 2023, notified the police about a peaceful demonstration his political party intended to hold on March 10, 2023. In order not to disturb the peace of other members of the public, Mr. Mwenda was called by police and advised to indicate the route they were to use, from civic center to Boma Court and total number of the marchers but failed to respond to police request until yesterday around 14:00 hours when police were informed that a group of people had gathered at Civic Center.”
However, upon arriving at the police station, Mr. Mwenda managed to evade arrest and escape. Twenty-three other people who were part of the planned protest were apprehended and are currently in police custody for the offense of unlawful assembly.
The suspects include four females and nineteen males, with ages ranging from 20 to 49. They were identified as Abel Musonda, Jeff Filamba, George Mwenyumbi, Zenus Daka, Joseph Lungu, Namo Phiri, Moses Nyirenda, Beatrice Pilo, Bwalya Katongo, Coaster Museke, Bwembya Mubanga, Bale Suzi, Ibrahim Kabwe Mwamba, Kamau Nathan, Danny Kalenga, Gift Nguni, Gilbert Njovu, Collins Muyunda, Thomas Mvula, Nkole Mubanga, Astone Mwanza, Moses Nyirenda, and Victor Malauni.
Mr. Mwale further explained, “Officers moved in and apprehended the 23 suspects who are currently in Police custody charged with the offence of Unlawful Assembly. They will appear in court soon.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters have been a vocal opposition party, and their leader’s actions have caused some controversy. Some supporters of the party are accusing the government of stifling their right to protest peacefully.
One supporter who wished to remain anonymous stated, “This is a clear violation of our rights as citizens of Zambia. We have the right to peaceful protest, and the government is trying to silence us by arresting our leader and other party members.”
Meanwhile, the police have urged members of the public to remain calm and continue going about their daily activities. “We assure members of the public that we are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety and security of all citizens,” Mr. Mwale said.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mwenda have been unsuccessful, as his mobile phone is switched off, and his whereabouts are currently unknown. The police are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward and assist with the investigation.
For More News And Analysis About Zambia Follow Africa-Press
