Maravi

Kabonde is a threat to national security – Sata

Kabonde is a threat to national security – Sata
By George Chellah
Fri 30 Apr. 2010, 04:00 CAT

Patriotic Front president Michael Sata yesterday demanded that President Rupiah Banda fire Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde because he is a serious threat to national security.

Commenting on the violence that rocked Mufumbwe during the parliamentary by-election, Sata said Kabonde was a disgrace to the police service and the nation as a whole.

“Since he took over as Inspector General, have you seen how shameless and biased he is when it comes to his involvement in matters concerning the MMD and the opposition?”

Sata asked. “Just look at how he has conducted himself in Mufumbwe. It’s really embarrassing for the country to have such a man as the top cop. Look at Mufumbwe, instead of protecting people from those MMD thugs the police are the ones beating up people.”

Sata said Kabonde’s unprofessional conduct was poisoning the minds of progressive young people within the service who have the nation at heart.

“As a service, the Zambia police is okay. The only problem is the man at the helm. Our police service lacks leadership.

Kabonde is a serious threat to national security,” Sata said. “And as long as Kabonde remains Inspector General of Police, you can forget about peace in Zambia in 2011 because how will he manage a general election next year if he is failing to manage by-elections?”

Sata said the police under Kabonde’s leadership could not guarantee Zambians safety in next year’s general election.

“Under Kabonde, the police service is terribly compromised. No wonder Kabonde has to go if we are to have a peaceful election next year.

If the police are aiding MMD to spill blood like they did in Mufumbwe, how will they protect the people?” Sata asked. “Kabonde is protecting his skin. In fact, some of the people Rupiah Banda is re-appointing, their hands are shaded with crime.”
Sata said President Banda should not behave like a vigilante.

“Rupiah Banda is thinking that we can proclaim a one-party state by using violence. This country is witnessing serious violence under Rupiah’s leadership. Under Rupiah, we have seen violence in Kasama, we have seen violence in Solwezi and we just saw serious violence in Mufumbwe,” Sata said.

“Everybody must know that the blood which drops is Zambian blood and we are all Zambians so people must refrain from violent acts because it’s not worth it.”
Sata said President Banda was convinced that he could intimidate people through violence.

“Rupiah and his minions must articulate policy and not encourage thuggery. And the police should realise that they are not even a full strength of an established police,” Sata said. “In 1991, the same police cheated Kaunda that he was winning. Let them not forget that when people have made up their minds, no violence or force can stand in their way. Mr Kabonde should know that.”

Sata challenged Kabonde to justify his presence in Mufumbwe.
Sata also advised MMD national secretary Dr Katele Kalumba to find better ways of lobbying for an acquittal than spreading falsehoods about him.

“Katele and Chiluba are in the same boat. They are protecting their dishonesty by hoodwinking Rupiah through excessive hero-worshipping. Katele wants the same favour of dubious acquittal just like Chiluba,” Sata said.

“The young man is under pressure because since independence, he is the first former finance minister to face corruption charges. He is the first one in Zambia if not the entire Commonwealth, can you imagine?”
Sata said it was now fashionable for anyone suspected of crime to seek shelter in President Banda.

“Have you seen that all those suspected of plunder are the ones shouting the loudest that RB for 2011. In fact, Katele must be ashamed. How can he say that I am a violent man. I was in Katete for one week, did he hear of any violence?” Sata asked.

“Actually it was Katele, Lameck Mangani and Eustarkio Kazonga who attacked PF women but the PF women chased Katele and he ran like a rat. He couldn’t even spend a night in Katete. He fled to Chipata with Mangani. We even reported this matter to the police. Katele should just keep quiet.”

Labels: CORRUPTION, FRANCIS KABONDE, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, SATA

posted by MrK @ 12:54 PM