Thugs Campaigning For President Sends Wrong Message

This week an incident in which a PF cadre harassed and threatened a civil servant because he believed them to be a UPND supporter has received widespread condemnation. 

While the accused, Charles Kakula, has been arrested, the incident has once again raised the question of the uncomfortable relationship between the PF leadership, violent tactics and thuggush behaviours.

Within civil society some are speaking up despite the threats to question the President’s role in all this. 

Commenting on this most recent incident Executive Director of the Alliance for Community Action (ACA) Laura Miti writes, “What is disturbing about this video of self -confessed PF cadres harassing a civil servant is not the conduct of the cadres. We all know PF cadres are generally thugs who know they can get away with previously shocking behaviour. They are hoodlums who know their leaders, from the President down, tacitly defend and promote violence and debauchery by their silence when it happens.” 

“Jay Jay beat up cops at the Central Police station for goodness sake. Where is he right now? Busy campaigning for the President,” she points out. 

Miti also pointed to the example of Bowman Lusambo, who allegedly dragged an elderly man and respected former soldier, in the street.  

“He humiliated him utterly. President Lungu still found it possible to appoint Lusambo as Minister,” Miti writes. 

She also points to more widespread anti-social and thuggish behaviours by PF cadres. 

“Every time PF cadres are on the road, they bully other road users. They speed on the wrong side of the road, hang dangerously outside vehicles, brandish dangerous weapons. Simply, they break all known traffic laws. Police officers routinely watch feebly and silently as this happens! PF cadres demand daily punishing "taxes" from bus drivers and street vendors. The President knows, Ministers know, the party knows!” Miti concludes.