PF cadres attempt to bring down UPND helicopter

A group of armed PF cadres attempted to bring down a helicopter carrying UPND officials making their way to a campaign rally in Shiwang’andu District in Muchinga Province today.

The incident mirrors that of January 2015 when a UPND delegation that included former first lady Maureen Mwanawasa and party chairperson Mutale Nalumango were forced to run for their lives after a gang of armed PF cadres attacked the helicopter they were flying in.

And UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has condemned the violent attack and warned President Edgar Lungu to tame his cadres or his party’s supporters will be forced to take matters into their own hands and defend themselves.

The fracas started around 10:00 hours in the morning when the cadres blocked the road heading to the venue making it difficult for Shiwang’andu residents to attend the UPND rally. The cadres then went for the helicopter carrying the UPND entourage, throwing stones and other missiles at it, preventing it from landing. Hichilema was however not aboard the helicopter. The cadres the proceeded to set fire to the venue of the rally until police had to fire teargas canisters to disperse them.

After the attacks the UPND team that included Hichilema, his running mate Geoffrey Mwamba, former vice presidents Guy Scott and Nevers Mumba and UDF leader Miles Sampa headed to Chinsali where they held another rally at President’s park.

Addressing the crowd, Hichilema said contrary to numerous claims that development has trickled down, the country is in fact moving backwards.

The UPND President however said he will create jobs and lower mealie meal prices, among other essential goods.

And Hichilema’s running mate, GBM, called on the people of Chinsali to vote for Hichilema as President due to his determination to unite and develop Zambia and Nevers Mumba said that Chinsali is known for uniting behind credible leadership, as was the case during the independence struggle.

Speaking at a public rally held at Nakonde grounds earlier this evening, Mr. Hichilema said he will enhance trade in border areas and ensure transparency and efficiency in the clearing processes at borders. By promoting economic activity jobs will be created to advance the fight against poverty, he explained.

MMD President Dr. Nevers Mumba said that Zambia will be more united under Mr. Hichilema and charged that currently there is too much poverty and division in the area.

UDF President Miles Sampa said voting for President Lungu is as good as voting for people that the Zambian people removed in 2011.

The UPND President and his delegation are in Muchinga Province on the campaign trail until Wednesday.