Police in Lusaka have summoned UPND vice-president for administration Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba for questioning over the raid conducted at his business premises over the weekend.
Police Spokesperson Charity Munganga Chanda said in a statement that Mwamba, popularly known as GBM, is expected at Lusaka Central Police at 09:00 hours to answer questions regarding the “offensive weapons” that were found at his business premises on Luanshya road in Villa Elizabetha area.
And UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has pleaded with his party’s supporters who wish to show solidarity with Mwamba to do so with peace and love. He has also called on police to be proffessional as the do their job.
“Take note that the police in Lusaka have summoned our party Vice-President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba for questioning tomorrow at 09:00 hours on unspecified issues. While many have offered their solidarity, our appeal is that this is done with peace and love,” Hichilema said in a message posted on his facebook page.
“We are fully aware of the various schemes being concocted ahead of the upcoming general elections and we must not fall prey even under extreme provocation. We only have one country and we must guard the peace and unity we have enjoyed over the years.
“To the police, we request you to be professional despite working under very difficult conditions. They are making you work like this yet they cannot even pay your salaries and allowances on time.
“We know that you are also Zambian citizens who feel the same economic pinch and hardships that the rest of your fellow citizens are going through. There are no special or cheaper shops and services for any sector of our nation.
“UPND is a peaceful party and we are more focused on the bigger challenge ahead of turning around the economy and fighting poverty.
“May peace prevail at all times until that great day on 11th August when we shall all take decisive action against oppression and failed leadership through our vote for change.”
Last week, President Edgar Lungu claimed he had intelligence information that the UPND was training 250 militias to cause violence during the forthcoming general elections. This prompted police to conduct a raid on Mwamba’s premises and arrest 21 UPND youths for ‘unlawful drilling’ and being in Possession of ‘Offensive Weapons’.