KABUSHI CANDIDATE SIMANGOLWA REPORTS UPND TO POLICE OVER ALLEGED ATTACK
Ndola’s Kabushi Constituency Independent Parliamentary candidate Mellbin Simangolwa has reported suspected UPND supporters to police for allegedly attacking his campaign team in Skyways Ward.
Mr. Simangolwa told _Icengelo Magazine_ he lodged a complaint at Masala Police Station after unknown cadres allegedly smashed the window of his campaign vehicle and assaulted a team member, Hole Ngoma, near Main Masala on Monday afternoon.
The candidate said the attack occurred while his team was campaigning in line with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) schedule.
Ngoma has obtained a medical report after sustaining lip injuries in the attack.
Mr. Simangolwa said he is also escalating the complaint to the ECZ and is demanding justice.
“In the past we used to blame the PF over violence but it is now happening with UPND cadres. The UPND cadres stoned our campaign vehicle and attacked our official. They attacked us as they were distributing regalia when in fact they were not supposed to be in Skyways Ward if we followed the ECZ campaign schedule. This is a sign of defeat on the part of the UPND,” he said.
But UPND Kabushi Constituency Chairman Henry Bwalya has denied the allegations.
“Allegations from Mr. Simangolwa are a falsehood and fabrication. Let Mr. Simangolwa identify the UPND supporters who attacked them. The independent candidate is the one abrogating the ECZ campaign timetable,” Mr. Bwalya said.
But Mr. Simangolwa’s on Mr. Bwalya’s comment is that his response shows lack of knowledge and a demonstration that the UPND leadership in Kabushi constituency are disconnected to the needs of the people and only there to serve their personal interest.
Let play clean politics and the best candidate will carry the day.
Do not unleash carders to attack other players.
Police are yet to issue a statement on the matter.