INSPECTOR General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has warned political party cadres against attacking radio stations to disrupt programmes featuring political figures.
Kanganja also says “individuals” without cases at courts of law should stay away especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PF cadres have recently adopted a habit of storming radio stations to disrupt programmes featuring opposition party leaders.
In May this year, ruling party cadres violently invaded Isoka Community Radio Station and Muchinga FM and disrupted a programme featuring UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.
In March last year, PF cadres blocked Democratic Party president Harry Kalaba from entering Radio Chengelo where he was scheduled to have an interview.
And in April last year, PF cadres attacked NDC president Chishimba Kambwili during a live radio programme on Power FM in Kabwe.
Continuing the same trend, PF cadres on Friday attacked Mafken Radio in Mufulira where Hichilema was being interviewed, but were beaten by residents.
In a statement this afternoon, Kanganja said the trend of attacking radio stations should come to an end.
“The growing trend of thugs attacking radio stations under the guise of politics is criminal and should come to an end forthwith,” Kanganja stated.
He said any person who may felt offended by the content of any interview should follow the due process of the law by registering their grievances to the police or other relevant authorities and not taking the law into their own hands.
Kanganja also warned that police would ensure that only those with cases in court access court premises.
Last Thursday, PF cadres who turned up to offer solidarity to corruption-accused health minister Chitalu Chilufya and caused commotion at the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, leading to an adjournment of proceedings without him taking plea.
Dr Chilufya has repeatedly emphasised the importance of observing health measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.
However, PF supporters completely disregarded these guidelines last Thursday, at one point standing in close proximity with the minister and defiantly raising the PF symbol.
Kanganja advised individuals without cases at courts of law to “stay away, especially this time when we are faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Any resistance to this directive shall attract equal reaction from the police so as to ensure compliance,” warned Kanganja.
©Kalemba July 12, 2020
