WE DISPERSED STUDENTS BEFORE LUNGU COULD ADDRESS THEM – POLICE
…Hichilema Is So Scared, Says Nakacinda
Police says the meeting where Students from various institutions had assembled at Crest Lodge to be addressed by former president Edgar Lungu was illegal.
But PF Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda who addressed the Students briefly before the police arrived said President Hakainde Hichilema is so scared.
Explaining on why Police had to swing in action yesterday to disperse the Students, Police says the organizers of the meeting had not informed the police according to the law.
Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has explained in a statement below availed to Zambian Eye that the Students who were fried to the hotel in buses were dispersed without any incidence.
Nakacinda urged Students to remain strong and wondered how Hichilema would be scared of a sizable number of Students who gathered.
Below is the statement:
UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY AT CREST LODGE, TWINPALM ROADLusaka, 5th December 2024 – The Zambia Police Service wishes to confirm that today, at approximately 13:00 hours, Twin palm Police Station received intelligence indicating a scheduled meeting at Crest Lodge, situated off Twin palm Road near Pick n Pay, opposite Memorial Park Cemetery.
It was reported that the former President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, was expected to address students from various colleges and universities.
About 40 students were transported to the venue aboard a Rosa bus with registration number BBC 9752 and other buses whose registration details were not captured.
The meeting, chaired by Mr. Raphael Nakachinda, was interrupted after police acted upon receiving information about the gathering. The intervention occurred before Mr. Lungu could address the assembly.
The organizers and attendees were advised to follow established protocols for by notifying the police before conducting such public gatherings. Subsequently, all those who had convened were dispersed without further incident.
We can confirm that the situation at Crest Lodge is calm, and business has returned to normal. The Zambia Police Service remains committed to ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law.We urge all citizens to adhere to legal procedures when organizing public assemblies and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to maintain peace and order.
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER