PF Cadres attack UPND helicopter in Shiwang’andu

Cadres from ruling Patriotic Front this afternoon, January 1, 2015 attacked the UPND campaign team in Shiwang’andu, Northern province.

UPND Campaign Manager Dipak Patel says the party is deeply concerned and horrified to hear of an attack on the team which were flying on their way to a rally in Shiwan’gandu.

The helicopter was carrying UPND National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango, former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa, Hon Felix Mutati, Hon Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, and Hon Patrick Mucheleka.

“Upon arrival PF cadres launched an attack on the helicopter and campaign team, in an attempt to prevent them from undertaking their right to campaign and hold meetings,” Patel explained in a statement to Zambian Eye. “We have reports of stones being thrown at our campaign team with the intention to harm. The police fought against the cadres, firing tear gas at the crowd, but were ultimately overpowered.”

Patel has since called on the Acting President to strongly condemn this incident asking him to work with UPND to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

“We also call on the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and MP for Shiwan’gandu Stephen Kampyongo to condemn the incident and assist the police in prosecuting the perpetrators,” He said.

He has called on the PF leadership to condemn the incident and bring their party members under control.

Patel says the party will soon share the footage of the attack as a Muvi TV journalist who was with the team filmed the incident.