“We’ll not be held accountable over HH’s arrest”-PF

The Secretary General of the Patriotic Front (PF) Wynter Kabimba wishes to state that the PF as a party or government cannot be held responsible for the actions of other political parties and, therefore, should not be blamed for the circumstances in which Hakainde Hichilema finds himself following his arrest by the police. The PF therefore wants to remind the UPND and their cheerleaders not to expect the ruling party to intercede for them whenever they are suspected to have broken the law. This is because the PF believes, first and foremost, in the rule of law, and secondly, in the independence and integrity of the law enforcement wings and other institutions of governance. The police, other law enforcers, and indeed other public institutions under the PF government are enjoying the levels of independence that they were deprived of under the MMD and no longer operate at the behest of the executive arm of government as was the case when MMD ruled the country. It is highly hypocritical for the UPND and their supporters such as Charles Milupi, Pastor Nevers Mumba and Neo Simutanyi to blame the PF for Mr. Hichilema's actions that have landed him in court. The party expects some opposition political parties leaders to display some level of honour and genuineness by showing appreciation for the manner in which the PF government has steered clear of interfering with the due process of the law. It is unfortunate that the same people who demand the rule of law are the very ones crying foul when this principle applies to them. It adds that it is even unfair for people to break the law and then raise false alarm that there is a crackdown on the opposition. The PF does not owe Mr. Hichilema or any citizen, within or outside its ranks, any protection from the due process of the law. It is incumbent upon all citizens, more especially those in positions of public responsibility such as political party leaders to take responsibility for their public conduct and understand the consequences of their actions. It is important to understand, therefore, that the PF are neither the authors nor guarantors of Mr. Hichilema's actions and is, therefore, not in any way connected to his interactions with the law. This is according to a statement issued by Media and Publicity Director – PF- Chanda Mfula