Ndola UPND Angry With Police For Stopping HH Solidarity Procession

THE police should stop acting like a branch of the Patriotic Front, says Ndola UPND chairman James Phiri.
Police in Ndola on Thursday stopped the UPND from holding a solidarity procession at their party secretariat following the release of their leader Hakainde Hichilema and five others from detention.

The UPND leadership in Ndola gathered at their party offices but riot police arrived, ordering that no procession should take place. The UPND officials then retreated and went back into their offices where they addressed the media.

The police should stop acting like a branch of the PF. Just a few days ago, the PF were everywhere on the Copperbelt marching and celebrating the expulsion of Chishimba Kambwili, what is wrong with us celebrating the release of our leader, our president? We are more strong and want to assure the nation that the PF and police will see more action now that our president is out. We will continue on the path of speaking for the poor people,
Phiri said.

He said Copperbelt residents were more than happy with the release of Hichilema.
“Look at the people that have come here! These are not UPND officials but the general public who are standing with the party and president HH. So we are not weakened but stronger than ever,” Phiri said.
He said the PF should respect the tenets of democracy and stop abusing the police to silence the opposition. Phiri said the Copperbelt Province had changed politically because of the PF lies.
Hichilema and Hamusonde Hamuleka, Muleya Hachinda, Laston Mulilanduba, Pretorius Haloba and Wallace Chakawa were arrested on April 11 and charged with treason.