Barotse crisis could have been avoided if Rupiah was caring - BFM/Linyungandambo

Friday, October 14, 2011

Barotse crisis could have been avoided if Rupiah was caring - BFM/Linyungandambo

Barotse crisis could have been avoided if Rupiah was caring - BFM/Linyungandambo
By Roy Habaalu
Fri 14 Oct. 2011, 13:58 CAT

THE BFM/Linyungandambo says the crackdown on protestors in Mongu on January 14 which left two people dead and a dozen others injured could have been avoided if Rupiah Banda was caring.

In an interview after the commission of inquiry to probe the Mongu killings paid a courtesy call on President Sata at State House yesterday, BFM/Linyungandambo chairman Nyambe Namushi said the commission should find a lasting solution to concerns raised by the protestors.

"We expect people especially those in Mongu to cooperate with the commission so that we find a lasting solution to problems in Barotseland. People of Zambia want peace. We don't want more fights neither do we want to see any more loss of lives, that should not happen," said Namushi.

He said the commission should adequately consult with the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), Barotse activists and the government so that people know who to blame for the brutal killings.

Two people died after police opened fire at protestors whom they accused of attempting to set a filling station ablaze.

A 16-year-old Barotse child detainee died in police custody in Mumbwa.

92-year-old Maxwell Mututwa, a former Ngambela (prime minister), died shortly after release from prison.

Meanwhile, commission chairman, Dr Rodger Chongwe said the hearings would take place in Mongu.

‘We have to conclude everything within 30 days from the time when we start," he said.

Labels: BAROTSE FREEDOM MOVEMENT, BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT, RUPIAH BANDA