The ruling United Party for National Development UPND has
expelled more than 150 youths from Livingstone, Kitwe and Mpika for thuggery,
criminal behaviour and gross misconduct while purporting to represent the party.
Speaking during a briefing, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda said the party was
founded on discipline, unity and service to the Zambian people values it will
not compromise.
Mr. Imenda explained that the expelled youths in
Livingstone, who called themselves the “Zaire Police,” stormed an Electoral
Commission of Zambia voter registration centre, harassed would-be voters and
disrupted the registration process.
He said the group even attempted to intimidate police
officers at a nearby station, leading to one member being shot in the leg while
advancing aggressively towards officers.
On the Copperbelt, Mr. Imenda reported that another unruly
group from the Jerabos community has engaged in criminal activity. He alleged that the group is being sponsored by unnamed political and business figures, and identified ring leaders Mutuna Chifunda and Kennedy Musonda, known as “King Lion,” who were reportedly seen brandishing firearms and issuing threats.
In Mpika, another youth group is accused of ransacking
Michael Chilufya Sata Level One Hospital in the Sido area, vandalising doctors’
hostels, theatre equipment and labour ward facilities, and stealing building
materials to construct personal business structures all while claiming to be
acting on behalf of the UPND.
Mr. Imenda said the misconduct comes barely days after
President Hakainde Hichilema reiterated that cadreism will not be tolerated
under his leadership.
He stressed that wearing UPND colours does not place anyone
above the law and that police under the current administration are expected to
operate professionally and independently.
The Secretary General emphasised that the party’s
disciplinary code including Regulation No. 7 clearly outlines offences, and the
decisions to expel and suspend the youths were made after thorough
administrative review.
He said the UPND must remain a mirror of national
discipline, assuring citizens that the country is secure under its leadership.
The expelled individuals are now barred from all party
activities, media appearances on behalf of the UPND, and any engagement with
institutions while claiming to represent the ruling party.
Mr. Imenda concluded that the actions are
final and intended to safeguard the integrity, unity and discipline of the UPND.
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