On failure of Governance: The case of the brutal murder of Grayzer Matapa

By Dr. Canisius Banda

The Passing of an Unsung Hero]: Grayzer Matapa was the UPND Mtendere East Branch Youth Chairman. Like all citizens should, he was merely exercising his freedoms of expression, speech, conscience and association. In a democratic way, he dedicated his life to a united Zambia, one at peace and in pursuit of development. Alas, it is for these reasons that he was killed.

He was killed by known Patriotic Front [PF] members two days ago in Mtendere Compound of Lusaka. These barbarians beat him up, pierced his body in the chest, abdomen and many other places with knives and screwdrivers. Later, severely maimed and dying, they dumped him a few houses near his own.

As wellwishers, that included a teary and shaken but touched/loving woman who was his neighbour, battled to save his life, he died on the way to hospital. This is how one gallant citizen, Grayzer Matapa, died for all of us. His death shall not be in vain. It must remain a loud reminder that we still have a struggle to wage, that evil still exists in our midst, that it is when good people do nothing that evil thrives and decimates a community.

We urge President Lungu, through the Zambia Police Service, to serve and protect all citizens. If they fail to do this, they must know that people retain the right and authority to defend themselves and their property, and this could have ghastly connotations. But before Zambia falls apart, degenerates into anarchy, we passionately appeal to President Lungu to keep the peace, to ensure that law and order, in an equitable manner, prevails in our motherland. We must all collectively mourn this slain citizen. His spirit for a better nation must continue to inspire us. Aluta continua! Vitoria e certa, someday. The struggle indeed continues!

We know that madzi akatayika saoleka! May the spirit of our Lord strengthen us and wipe away our tears!

[In the pictures, you will see a teary Hakainde Hichilema, the president of the United Party for National Development holding one of Grayzer Matapa’s children, a daughter, now an orphan. Behind him is Grayzer Matapa’s wife, now a widow. On his right is Grayzer Matapa’s mother, evidently in the pangs of grief as only a mother can experience].

Again, the PF have blood on their hands. And this time, under President Edgar Lungu’s watch! To each one of you my dear and beloved friends, as an act of solidarity, kindly share this post!

The author, Dr. Canisius Banda is the opposition UPND Vice president in-charge of Politics.