Marikana: An orgy of opportunism in the face of disaster
Nco Dube
Posted on: September 15, 2012
I have resisted writing on the Marikana disaster for a few weeks now because of how the tragic events quickly degenerated into a political football in a disgusting blame game match. The tragedy has simply descended into an awfully obscene orgy of politicians, media, analysts and many other armchair critics.
But now I can’t ignore anymore the reckless reporting by the media, the slow confused response by government, violence of the strikers, indifferent attitude and greed of Lonmin management and other purveyors of capital, the greed of the unions, opportunism of politicians and incompetency within the police.
I name all these groups because they are all, in varying degrees, responsible for the sequence of events in Marikana and the subsequent tragedy.
The striking miners themselves are the main culprits here. A lot of people here see this, but are afraid to seem insensitive or politically incorrect. The fact is these striking miners have very valid grievances.
What they are being paid for the job they do is simply criminal. But in engaging in unlawful behaviour and activities in putting that point across diverts attention from the unfair treatment they receive at the hands of greedy employers and so-called investors.
No matter how aggrieved one is, fairly or unfairly, one can’t go around intimidating and murdering people including the police to get one’s point across. This is in the very least barbaric. Protests in a democratic dispensation don’t need to be violent as there are ample mechanisms in law and constitution to be utilised.
Second responsibility falls equally on both Lonmin management and the unions involved. Lonmin management and shareholders should be disgusted at themselves for letting things go this far.
They could have prevented this by being a responsible employer who pays workers fairly. A fair employer will never pay their workers, who risk their lives daily under horrible conditions, R4 000 a month while paying a CEO over R29-million a year! This is criminal and unjustifiable!
[R29,000,000 / (12 x R4,000) = 604. That means that if accurate, the CEO earns 604 times what a miner makes. - MrK]
Lonmin further exacerbated an already bad situation by circumventing recognised unions and struck wage deals with selective grades of workers when there is a collective bargain agreement in place. This was both unethical and illegal.
When things turned violent management went underground where you could see only the black faces of management being used at feeble and unconvincing attempts at PR.
Both the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) showed that union interest is hardly, if ever, in the wellbeing of their members.
In trying to gain ground in membership, Amcu uses violence and intimidation.
At Marikana they convinced workers to make totally unrealistic and un-achievable demands.
While R12 500 is a fair demand, it is unrealistic to expect an employer to jump workers from R4 000 to that amount in one go.
A responsible union would be negotiating for an increment agreement that will put workers in that bracket over a period of time.
In fact it is the unions themselves, NUM included, who have allowed a situation where workers are abused this way. No miner should be earning the pittance they are earning in such a rich sector.
Clearly Amcu thought the only way to gain popularity would be to appear more radical than NUM. In response NUM forgot about the interest of their members and concentrated only on protecting their ‘territory’.
When the first signs of violence surfaced at Lonmin and 10 people were murdered government didn’t seem too sure what to do.
After what happened at Impala a few months before one would think government and the police would be better prepared for situations like these now.
Efforts should have been made to clamp down on the illegal gatherings and disarm the miners from the onset.
Effective policing and a responsive executive is what we lack. Even more shocking was when arrested miners were charged with murder of their own colleagues who were shot by the police.
If the police had handled the matter well from the onset, they wouldn’t have been faced with armed miners at that koppie.
Even after the shooting of the miners our government simply went AWOL. No one seemed to know what to say or do. Or were they paralysed by the upcoming ruling party internal elections in Mangaung?
One would be inclined to believe so, seeing that some of the prominent players like the Premier of the North West Province is still AWOL.
This indecisiveness by government opened an opportunity for an obscene blame game orgy by politicians from within warring factions in the ANC and government, opposition parties and of course Malema and his Friends of the Youth League (FYL).
Instead of helping resolve the situation, politicians only saw a chance to gain points over a weak and bumbling ANC. Even in tragedy politicians were like scavengers rushing in a craze.
The politicians and Lonmin were aptly supported by our ever partisan media.
The coverage of the disaster has been disgusting in the very least.
In a craze to show how competent the media and their so-called analysts and commentators are they lost their humaneness, they forgot all about the people that actually died and their families.
It was all about Zuma all of a sudden. Not that Zuma didn’t have a hand in this and deserved some of the blame.
SA media disgustingly gave us very simplified and subjective coverage of the disaster. All was done to milk as much sensationalism as possible to a point where there were ridiculous reports that the police actually hunted down the striking miners to kill them.
This subjective media coverage fed to the blame orgy by the politicians. We were simply fed a too simplistic analysis of the situation directed at blaming only government and the police whereas the situation was much more complex.
The shooting of the miners was a series of blunders, wrong decisions, indecisiveness and incompetency, greed and opportunism on the part of Lonmin, striking workers, police, government, media, unions and politicians in general.
Blaming it on a single group is further opportunism or ignorance.
Our media and the so-called analysts seem to be going to ridiculous length to shift part of the blame from Lonmin management and its white capital backers.
Very little has been reported on Lonmin’s role in the sequence of events.
South Africa needs to learn to bury differences in the face of disaster and rally together to provide leadership and solutions.
Otherwise we lose our common Ubuntu
Labels: MINING, RIOTS
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Govt warns wanting Chambishi cops
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Fri 07 Sep. 2012, 10:15 CAT
HOME affairs deputy minister Ngosa Simbyakula has warned that all officers found wanting in the manner they handled the Chambishi riots will be punished. And Simbyakula is this week expected on the Copperbelt to review how police officers handled the riots.
This follows Copperbelt Province minister Mwenya Musenge's demand to transfer all police officers at Chambishi Police Station for alleged negligence following the riots that rocked Chambishi last Friday in which four people were killed and property worth millions of kwacha was looted.
Musenge has demanded the transfer of police officers from Chambishi because they had allegedly been not alert, hence the outbreak of the riots which led to the loss of four lives.
Musenge said police in the township were informed about plans by residents of Zambia township to kill some businessmen and their relatives but did not act quickly to avert the situation.
According to a statement by Ministry of Home Affairs head of public relations Moses Suwali, Dr Simbyakula said the trip to the Copperbelt was to review and appreciate for himself how police officers handled the situation during the riots, after which a decision would be made.
Dr Simbyakula said that whilst on the Copperbelt he would meet Musenge, the provincial commissioner of police Mary Tembo and other heads of departments under his ministry so as to discuss the issue in depth.
He said he did not want to rush to transfer officers before gathering facts and appreciating clearly what was on the ground but warned that all officers found wanting in the manner they handled "this unfortunate incident" would be punished according to administrative provisions under the police Act Cap 107 in addition to transfers.
He also warned members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands because it was a serious crime. "The scourge is slowly getting rooted in this country and hence we need to quickly stamp it out before many lives are lost," said Dr Simbyakula.
He said his ministry deeply regretted the loss of lives and damage to property resulting from the riotous behaviour.
Over 100 residents were arrested in Chambishi in connection with the riot and looting of property that ensued. Those arrested have been charged and are appearing in court in Kitwe.
Labels: POLICE BRUTALITY, RIOTS
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Mufulira residents run amock
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Fri 17 Feb. 2012, 11:59 CAT
THE Copperbelt police command has appealed to Mufulira residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course over the case involving a local businessman accused of practicing satanism.
Mufulira resident on Wednesday afternoon ran amok and destroyed property worth millions of kwacha including two houses and a shop belonging to a businessman identified as Chuma after the matter which is still in the local court in Mufulira was adjourned.
The residents ran amok when the local court adjourned a case in which the businessman is alleged to be hind disappearance of a 19-year-boy identified as Charles Muyanshi who went missing three years ago.
Copperbelt police commissioner Mary Tembo said it was unfortunate that the residents had also destroyed Kankoyo police station where the man was whisked for safety.
Tembo said the police made no arrests but had managed to calm the situation.
"By the time I was pulling out of Mufulira at mid night (Wednesday) I left officers deployed in various places to safeguard people's properties. We left some officers in Kantanshi and Kankoyo to monitor the situation and it is relatively calm," Tembo said.
She said the family of the victim was safe.
Tembo said the people had destroyed the houses which he built in various places in Mufulira and the police had advised the tenants to stay away and the police were guarding the houses from further damage.
"People should learn to respect the law. What happened was very unfortunate because this matter is before court and it was adjourned. They should wait for the procedures, a lot of lives would have been lost if we never moved in. They stoned and destroyed their own police post in Kankoyo and now we have to replace the roof and all that is required. People must cooperate with the police and observe law and order," Tembo said.
Labels: MUFULIRA, RELIGION, RIOTS
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Britain’s Riots: Thuggery, Looting, Lawlessness… By the Ruling Class
by Finian Cunningham
Global Research, August 11, 2011
After a conflagration of arson attacks, riots and looting in several British cities, including the capital, London, there is a sense of order having been restored from a massive mobilisation of police forces.
There now follows the tracking down and prosecution of individuals involved in the mayhem. Conservative Prime Minister is leading “the fight back” to punish anyone who has inflicted damage and destruction to Britain’s society.
The events have visibly shocked the political establishment of all parties, police chiefs and the mainstream media. But what should be more shocking is the myopic and incredibly banal commentary that is being offered to “explain” the outburst of street disturbances and violence.
As pundits sit in comfy television studios trading inane insights about the “evils” of individual immorality, criminality, dysfunctional families, gang culture – in the background, so to speak, are the glaring signs scrolling across the screens of the cause of this societal breakdown. And yet the preponderant signs escape the mental radar of pundits and politicians alike.
The fact that the capitalist economic system is in worldwide meltdown is not even registered in the mainstream commentary. This is the system that the mainstream political parties have facilitated and fawned over, whether Labour, Conservative or Liberal, and which has resulted in social devastation across Britain while the corporate and financial elite has ransacked economic resources. This system of legalised looting has been going on for decades, but certainly took on a precipitous dynamic starting with Cameron’s Conservative predecessor Margaret Thatcher in the early 1980s. Labour’s Tony Blair and Gordon Brown were merely purveyors of the same dynamic.
In surveying today’s Britain, Karl Marx words are so right: “An accumulation of wealth at one pole of society indicates an accumulation of misery and overwork at the other”. That is the hallmark of capitalism in today’s Britain, the US and Europe.
All other problems are largely secondary in causation. Crime, racist policing, disorder, the lack of police budgets to restore order (so ironic), alienation and self-destruction, and so many other ills including the mobilisation of resources to fund illegal wars – most of our present day problems flow from the tap root of dysfunction that is the capitalist economy.
Speaking in the House of Commons Thursday, Prime Minister Cameron's “explanation” for the outbreak of street disturbances across England demonstrates a total ignorance and poverty of understanding on his part of the nature of the breakdown in his society. He blames it on “criminality pure and simple” and “pockets of sickness” and “lack of individual morality and responsibility”.
This view is largely echoed in the British political establishment of all parties and the media.
The looting, thievery and lawlessness that Cameron so condemns is but the reflection at the street level of British society of what is taking place on a much greater scale at the upper echelons of government and the economy.
Despite the appearance of pinstripe suits and well-groomed accents, we can, if we are honest, see decades of looting and thievery of economic and financial resources by corporate elites aided and abetted by Labour and Conservative governments. The taxpayer bailout of corrupt banks initiated by Labour PM Gordon Brown and now overseen by Cameron, paid for in large part by austerity in public spending cuts, is but the latest manifestation of official robbing of the majority to swell the already outrageous wealth of the ruling elite class.
Cameron and his gang of plumy-accented thugs are gunning for $150 billion in public spending cuts to pay for the criminal enterprise known as British banking. This is racketeering that a street gang in London’s east end can only marvel at… and indeed, in a very real way, only emulate.
Combined with that looting by the elite we see the total lawlessness and criminality of British governments who have worked hand in glove with other criminal governments to launch wars of aggression (Nuremburg standard war crimes) in Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Libya, resulting in the deaths of over one million civilians. Where is individual responsibility for that mass murder and destruction Mr Cameron?
This social decay and necrotism is a symptom of the collapse of capitalism, an economic system that enriches an elite at the cost of the majority. It polarises political power beyond democratic accountability to the point where, among other deformities, wars and planetary looting are being carried out even blatantly against the consent of the majority public.
So when Cameron and his political cronies fulminate about pockets of sickness, looting, criminality, lawlessness, and the need for “consequences for actions” – his words and exhortations are so richly ironic and benighted.
For he is inadvertently describing the very society and world that capitalism creates in its own image. The indoctrination of Cameron's mind and that of the entire political establishment prevents them from seeing the inferno for the sparks. An inferno that the government of Cameron and his Labour predecessors, and in other western countries, have been dousing fuel on with their slavish policies aiding and abetting capitalist kleptocracy, both at home and abroad.
The real lessons from Britain will not dawn on, never mind be drawn on, by mainstream politicians or media. And the same can be said for the US and other western countries. To paraphrase a slogan used by former US President Clinton: “It’s the capitalist economy, stupid.”
Finian Cunningham is a Global Research Correspondent based in Belfast, Ireland.
Labels: NEOLIBERALISM, RIOTS
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Concerns of Malawians ‘need to be taken seriously’
Unless Malawi’s government does something to find solutions to its economic and governance problems, the country will see more nationwide protests like the ones last week where 18 people were killed and 275 arrested, analysts say.
The Jul. 20-21 protests were the first of their kind since the country attained democracy in 1994. Amid condemnation from the international community, President Bingu wa Mutharika called in the army to quell the protests in three cities; Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu. The media had also been restricted in reporting on the demonstrations.
Mustapha Hussein, a political analyst at the University of Malawi, told IPS that Mutharika should start taking the concerns of Malawians seriously before things get out of hand.
“The president seems to not be ready to accept blame for the economic and governance problems facing the country. There will be bigger protests in the country than what we just saw should the government not move fast in addressing the issues that are being raised,” said Hussein.
He said the problems originate from “dictatorial tendencies and executive arrogance.”
Dalitso Kubalasa, executive director of the Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), a coalition of more than 100 civil society organisations which promotes economic governance, told IPS that the lack of response from government about the issues raised by demonstrators does not help the country.
“The whiplash that we are witnessing all around us – internal and external – from development partners and other stakeholders is continuing to paint a lot of gloom, and is ultimately not projecting the hope Malawians seem to be longing and craving for or that has been long awaited,” said Kubalasa.
Currently, tensions remain high as fuel queues keep getting longer as people seek out the now scarce commodity. There is also an acute shortage of foreign exchange, households and businesses continue to experience frequent and long spells of power outages, and water scarcity is still a problem – even in the country’s affluent neighbourhoods.
Mutharika has still not responded to the demonstrators’ demands, which included a call for the president to work on the restoration of the economy and democratic governance.
The protests came just as Britain announced it was suspending 35 million dollars of budget support to Malawi.
Up to 40 percent of Malawi’s national budget has been dependent on donors and 80 percent of the country’s development budget was being provided under the Common Approach to Budget Support, which includes Britain, Germany, the African Development Bank, Norway, the European Union and the World Bank. The British and German governments are already refusing to release up to 400 million dollars.
However, during the June budget session of parliament Mutharika insisted that Malawi will be operating on a zero-deficit budget so that it will not be dependent on donors.
Speaking at a graduating ceremony for new police officers on Jul. 22, Mutharika said he was the only one concerned about running the country well, and that no one should pressure him on the issue of fuel.
But after government’s disastrous handling of the protests, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a United States government foreign aid agency leading the fight against global poverty, announced that it was putting on hold 350.7 million dollars meant to improve Malawi’s energy sector.
The MCC said in a statement on Tuesday that it made the decision because of the use of force by Malawian authorities to prevent peaceful demonstrations, and the restrictions imposed on the media reporting on those demonstrations.
The southern African country is already reeling from poor relations with its traditional donors who have also accused it of failing to respect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and the right to freedom of the press.
Even though Tina Kaduya’s grocery store was looted during the demonstrations and she lost all her stock, she supports their demands.
“I have lost goods worth about 2,000 dollars through the riots but I can’t blame the people who attacked my shop. Many Malawians are angry because of the declining standards of living and many are poor so they saw an opportunity (to loot) when the demonstrations were happening,” Kaduya told IPS.
She said government has not helped matters by introducing a value-added tax (VAT) of up to 16.5 percent on products such as bread, meat, milk. In the 2011/2012 national budget, delivered June, the country’s minister of finance, Ken Kandodo, announced the introduction of taxes that also include a 25 percent excise duty on used clothing, furniture and toys.
“The country is staggering under miserable economic and governance problems. There’s need for change and much as I worry about the loss of revenue after my shop was looted, I do understand people’s actions,” said Kaduya.–(Reporting by Claire Ngozo, IPS)
Labels: BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, KEN KANDODO, RIOTS, VAT
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Uganda riots reach capital as anger against Museveni grows
KAMPALA, UGANDA - Apr 30 2011 06:50
Riots have swept across the Ugandan capital as protesters called for an Egyptian-style uprising against their autocratic president.
At least two people were killed and more than 100 wounded in Kampala after soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas and beat demonstrators with sticks. Civilians fought back by blocking roads with burning tyres and pelting vehicles with rocks.
The growing unrest, sparked by rising food and fuel prices, gained fresh impetus after the brutal arrest on Thursday of top opposition leader Kizza Besigye. But President Yoweri Museveni, in firm control for a quarter of a century, has met the challenge with an aggressive show of force.
His military police were accused of attacking innocent spectators on Friday. One victim could be seen lying in a pool of blood, apparently after being shot in the head at a local market.
In Karwerwe neighbourhood, police chased teenager Andrew Kibwka with heavy wooden sticks and brought blows raining down on him.
"I thought the police were going to kill me," he said minutes later, his arm bruised and finger bleeding. "I was telling them I'm harmless but they just carried on. I did nothing to provoke them. They beat me because I was running away."
The 18-year-old, wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans, added: "I'm in pain all over my body. The police are being too brutal. I think Uganda will get worse if the president does not resign."
A minibus taxi and other vehicles that tried to travel up the street were pelted with stones. Then soldiers in armoured vehicles appeared and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. People ran away in panic.
Standing at a market, Robert Mayanja, who described himself as an activist, said: "What they are doing now shows that Museveni rigged the last election. If you look at Uganda, why should we vote for him after 25 years? We have high prices, we have hospitals without medicine. Is there anything to vote for?"
Mayanja (31) said a repeat of the revolts in Egypt and Tunisia was "definitely" possible. "What we are seeing here are people who are not armed but are taking a stand against armed forces. People are ready. It's just a question of time.
"We know they are going to arrest many people and put them in torture chambers. We know this regime has expired. These are the signs."
Eric Mbiro (20) a student, agreed: "We are tired of this government because of the price of commodities. There is is no presidency in Uganda. The president rules the country like his own home. He is a dictator. We need change."
But he was more sceptical about the prospects for an uprising: "We will not manage to do what they did in Egypt because people here are poor. There is too much poverty in Uganda."
Military police fired live rounds, rubber bullets and tear gas at numerous burning barricades blocking the main road out of Kampala to the international airport in Entebbe and sprayed adjacent residential areas with bullets. Shell casings littered the highway, tear gas hung in the air and security forces beat local residents.
In Ntinda, angry youths shouted and hurled stones and chunks of concrete at passing cars. On one corner, a man ran up to a council vehicle as it drove by and smashed the driver's window with a rock, raising cheers from onlookers.
A coded sign language is already in place. Motorists who hold two fingers aloft in a "v for victory" symbol, showing they support the rebellion, are allowed to pass unharmed. But a single raised thumb is interpreted as a pro-Museveni gesture.
There were road blocks in the form of rocks, cones, debris and burning tyres. A bare-chested young man lay face down on the grass, receiving bandages to his head from Red Cross medics.
An eyewitness said the man had been the victim of another unprovoked attack. "The military police were making people clear the road and this boy worked for 30 minutes," said Timothy Ssenfuma (35) an electrical engineer. "He said he wanted to go but they beat him on the head and back until he collapsed. They were also beating up even women and young ladies just to clear the road."
Ssenfuma went on: "They are killing innocent Ugandans who are not even involved in the uprising. We appeal to the rest of the world to help Ugandans as they have in Libya and elsewhere."
A teacher, who gave his name only as Nixon, claimed the security forces had launched an indiscriminate attack. "The military police came and started beating up people. Some had to run away and others had to fight back to defend their friends. People have terrible anger at the way they were treated."
The 32-year-old said he could not imagine an Egyptian-like revolt in the short term. "But in the long term, I believe it can happen. The military is still strong and many of the soldiers are unwilling to turn to the side of the people. But in time they might get tired of beating the people.
"I really look forward to it. As your friends are beaten and arrested, the professionals need to come out and organise the people."
Red Cross official Richard Nataka said more than 100 injured people had been taken to five centres, including 78 at the Mulago Hospital, of whom 10 had gunshot wounds.
He said one person had died and a pick-up truck brought in a second body shortly afterwards. Red Cross vehicles were arriving at the Mulago Hospital every few minutes with more casualties.
Besigye has held five "walk to work" demonstrations against rising prices and what he calls a corrupt government. Demonstrators on Friday carried posters praising Besigye, and questioned why police needed to use violence to arrest him.
Besigye has been released on bail but is said to be in poor health and still unable to see after pepper spray was fired into his eyes. - guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media 2011
Labels: DEMONSTRATION, RIOTS, UGANDA, YOWERI MUSEVENI
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COMMENT - This is an illegal firing, and a clear intimidation of workers.
Chambishi fires miners facing rioting charges
By Mwila Chansa
Wed 09 Mar. 2011, 09:01 CAT
MANAGEMENT at the Chinese-run Chambishi NFCA has terminated the contracts of all 18 miners facing charges of riotously damaging buildings at the mine. Speaking in an interview, the miners wondered why management had terminated their contracts before the matter was settled in court.
The miners complained they were being treated like criminals even though under Zambian law, a person was presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts.
“And even the manner in which they brought the letters of termination was very surprising. They came with armed police officers in riot gear just to give us those letters,” one of the miners said.
“The conduct of the police is very unprofessional and it is like the Chinese are a court in their own capacity.”
The miners said they and their families were shaken and afraid when they saw armed police officers in riot gear at their homes.
They also said they would take legal action against the NFCA management because their dismissal was prejudicial and unprocedural.
“They never charged us, they never called us to discuss anything; there was no verbal or written warning. They think that just because we were arrested and taken to court, they can fire us like that,” another miner said. “They should have waited for the case to be concluded in court because it’s up to the court to decide whether we are guilty or not.”
The termination letters, dated February 25, signed by Cheng Zhigang, NFCA human resources manager, state that the miners’ contracts would be terminated with effect from March 25.
“Further, you will be required to surrender all company property in your possession before you collect your terminal benefits if any,” the letter reads in part.
Labels: CHAMBISHI MINE, CHINESE, FDI, LABOUR, RIOTS
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COMMENT - $100 terminal benefits.
Chambishi miners riot
By Mwila Chansa and Darious Kapembwa
Fri 11 Feb. 2011, 04:01 CAT
MINERS at Chambishi NFCA mine rioted on Wednesday night burning three vehicles to ashes, looting their canteen and smashing windows on some buildings.
The miners’ action is said to have been spurred by their on-going discontent over terminal benefits following their transfer from NFCA mining department to JCHX, a new company that has been formed within NFCA.
According to Copperbelt Division Commanding officer Dr Martin Malama, police had quelled the situation by 03:00 hours yesterday.
“There was a riotous situation by workers at Chambishi mine at about 22:00 to 23:00 hours on Wednesday. Three jeeps were burnt to ashes, two other extensively damagaed, canteen broken into and items looted and windows to some buildings damaged,” Dr Malama said.
He said the workers also broke into the accounts department but nothing valuable was stolen.
Dr Malama said windows of the administration block were smashed and the guardroom was burnt.
“This is the impending agitation continuing from the earlier industrial action, we are on the ground and the situation is quiet,” he said.
Dr Malama said dialogue was always better than violence.
About three weeks ago, workers at the same mine protested over alleged under-payment of their terminal benefits since their transfer from NFCA mining department to another company JCHX.
The angry workers then said it was a mockery for management to pay some of them as little as K500,000 for their terminal benefits when copper prices were so high and production at the firm was good.
The workers were on strike for about three days and only returned to work after assurances that their grievances would be addressed by mid February.
The miners also complained of oppression and injustice at the mine.
According to sources in Chambishi, the workers were agitated by management giving notices to perceived ring-leaders that they would not be reporting for work and that they would be given one month salaries.
Labels: CHAMBISHI MINE, MINERS, RIOTS
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Garden compound residents riot after man dies in police custody
By Collins Phiri
Sat 13 Nov. 2010, 04:02 CAT
FURIOUS residents in Lusaka's Garden compound yesterday demolished a police post and burnt vehicles in protest against a suspected case of police brutality in which a man died. They went on the rampage after police officers allegedly beat a man to death for “loitering” on Thursday night.
According to a source, the deceased’s family members went to Garden police post to check on their relative who had been picked up the previous night, but could not find him.
The source said police attempted to bribe relatives who demanded to know the whereabouts of the man with K100,000.
The relatives later discovered the body of the deceased at the police post with a deep cut on the head.
Police spokesperson Ndandula Siamano could not give details of the incident but said senior officers had been sent to investigate.
Labels: NDANDULA SIAMANA, POLICE BRUTALITY, POLICE CORRUPTION, RIOTS
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Fr Bwalya deserves the respect, support of all
By The Post
Tue 16 Mar. 2010, 04:30 CAT
THE intolerance of Rupiah Banda’s regime will soon prove very costly to himself and to the nation. Rupiah is promoting and tolerating intolerance and violence. Those who are intolerant or violent in the process of aiding Rupiah’s political agenda are tolerated and go scot-free.
Police officers and other judicial officers who perpetrate injustices, who harass and persecute innocent citizens whose only crime is to stand up and challenge the crimes of his league are rewarded in all sorts of ways. They behave like brutes because they are rewarded for brutish behaviour.
It’s not possible to be neutral over the harassment and persecution of Fr Bwalya. We can easily be enticed to read peace and fairness as meaning parity between justice and injustice. While justice must be promoted, injustice must be fought.
As we have warned before, the intolerance of Rupiah’s regime can only do one thing, and that is to breed counter-intolerance, contempt for itself.
We salute Fr Bwalya and all others who, amid lack of understanding and in the blessedness of the thirst for justice, are prepared, in the manner of John the Baptist, for the coming of the Lord in the establishment of a more just, fair and humane society.
We want to make it very clear that we are not neutral over these injustices against Fr Bwalya; we are with Fr Bwalya and we will do everything possible to support him and his work.
We have always thought that if a man cannot sacrifice himself for others, he is incapable of sacrificing himself for anything; a person who cannot sacrifice himself for others is incapable of sacrificing himself for his own sake; a person that is not willing to fight for the rights and dignity of others will never be ready to fight for his own rights and dignity.
Whoever is incapable of fighting for others will never be capable of fighting for himself. And the courage shown by Fr Bwalya and the people of Kitwe must also serve to let Rupiah and his friends know what awaits them.
There are moments when difficult and bitter decisions have to be taken. Intelligence demands the return of violence with violence. Every time you let someone stand on your head and you don’t do anything about it, you are not acting with intelligence and should not be on this earth – you won’t be on this earth very long either.
There’s too much intolerance and violence against those who do not support, those who oppose Rupiah and his regime as if they are criminals when, in fact, the laws of this country, the Constitution of this country allow them to do what they are doing.
This government does not protect the rights of citizens who don’t support it. Those who oppose Rupiah and his government have no rights in this country to be protected by law enforcement agencies. They are beaten by ruling party cadres and harassed by policemen without any meaningful protection from any quarter.
We have never said that those who don’t like Rupiah and his government should initiate acts of violence or intolerance against his cadres and supporters, but where the government fails to protect Rupiah’s opponents, his critics, they are entitled to do it themselves. They are within their rights.
There are elements in the ruling MMD and in Rupiah’s government who are nothing but cold, animalistic tyrants. They are trying to make those who oppose, those who don’t support Rupiah and his league the victims of every kind of unjust conditions imaginable.
Then when they explode, they want them to explode politely! Why, they are dealing with the wrong people at the wrong time in the wrong way.
We are living at a time when there has got to be a change. People in power have misused it, and now there has to be a change and a better nation has to be built, and the only way it’s going to be built is by not accepting and tolerating injustice, by fighting intolerance and tyranny.
And all men and women of goodwill should join in with anyone who makes effort to change these miserable conditions that exist in our country today.
Every human being of goodwill is committed to changing the social order that is cruelly unjust. They cannot evade their commitment to social change. They must involve themselves in this effort whatever the consequences.
To refuse such a commitment would be to make oneself an accomplice of injustice. If Christians like Fr Bwalya do not commit themselves to changing a system that prevents most persons from achieving personal fulfilment, then they are not helping their people, their fellow citizens to live out their vocation and attain union with God. In short, uncommitted Christians are betraying their mission to serve the progress of human history.
Thus the outlook of Christians cannot be restricted to personal religious practices or to an individualistic morality; they cannot fail to re-examine their conduct within the framework of the structures prevailing in this country and in this world. If they fail to do this, they would be bearing witness against the Gospel. They must confront the reality of today with the reality of the Gospel, living always as wayfarers open to change and ever on the move.
So the questions: how many authentic Christians do we find today in this country? Well, people fail to fulfil their Christian duty out of ignorance or lack of awareness. Some adopt a negative attitude toward change, but they do so from a narrow outlook.
Commitment to change often confronts Christians with the whole problem of violence. It is our opinion that the real violence of the present day is the intolerable and perduring violence of an institutionalised nature. This seems clear from the facts before us: the high levels of poverty, the lack of daily sustenance, the wage level, the inadequate health and educational facilities.
Intolerance constitutes one of the gravest problems in our country today. A decision on which the future of our country and our people will depend should not be left to the impulses of emotion and passion. We would be failing in our duty if we were not to remind the conscience, caught in this dramatic dilemma, of the criteria derived from the Christian doctrine of evangelical love.
No one should be surprised if we forcefully reaffirm our faith in the productiveness of peace and justice, fairness and humaneness. This is our Christian ideal. Intolerance, violence and tyranny are neither Christian nor evangelical. Christians are tolerant and peaceful and are not ashamed of it. They are not simply pacifists, they can fight, but they prefer peace to violence.
They know that violent changes in structures would be fallacious, ineffectual in themselves, and not conforming to human dignity, which demands that the necessary changes take place from within – that is to say, through a fitting awakening of conscience, adequate preparation and effective participation of all, which the ignorance and often inhuman conditions of life make it impossible to assure at this time. As Christians believe in the productiveness of peace to achieve justice, they also believe that justice is a prerequisite for peace.
This demands all-embracing, courageous, urgent and profoundly renovating transformations. One should not abuse the patience of a people that for years has borne a situation that would not be acceptable to anyone with any degree of awareness of human rights, justice and dignity.
Facing a situation which works so seriously against human dignity and against peace and justice, we address ourselves to all Christians in our country, asking them to assume, in the spirit of John the Baptist, their responsibility in the promotion of justice, fairness, humaneness and peace in our country.
We shouldn’t forget that the future peace of our country depends to a large extent on your attitude. Also responsible for injustice are those who remain passive for fear of the sacrifice and personal risk implied by any courageous and effective action.
Justice, and therefore peace, conquer by means of a dynamic action of awakening and organisation of the popular sectors, which are capable of pressing public officials who are often impotent in their social projects without popular support.
It is up to us to denounce everything which, opposing justice, destroys peace.
It must be clear why Fr Bwalya deserves the support of all in his selfless efforts and sacrifices in the true spirit of John the Baptist.
Labels: FRANK BWALYA, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, RIOTS
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Riots rock Fr Bwalya’s Kitwe court appearance
By Kabanda Chulu, Speedwell Mupuchi, Mwila Chansa and Abigail C
Tue 16 Mar. 2010, 04:30 CAT
A MINI riot swept through Kitwe’s town centre yesterday where people smashed cars and looted from certain shops after a police officer provoked a peaceful but tense situation by slapping someone outside the magistrate’s court where Fr Frank Bwalya appeared.
And police arrested some people including PF Copperbelt vice youth chairman Elias Kamanga for allegedly inciting riotous behaviour. Meanwhile, Fr Bwalya pleaded not guilty to the charge of engaging in activities likely to cause the breach of peace; and likened himself to John the Baptist preparing people for change.
Several people, some carrying and flashing red cards wanted to witness Fr Bwalya’s appearance in court but were not allowed to enter by police officers, who cordoned off all roads leading to the Boma offices where the magistrates’ courts are located.
Police officers kept vigil and were not allowing anyone to enter while people clad in red shirts and flashing red cards chanted solidarity songs and blew whistles.
And people without red cards, plucked tree branches, which they swung while stamping on the ground chanting ‘lelo ni lelo’ and ‘tulekeleni imfumu yaba yuda’ (leave our King of the Jews).
Around 10:00 hours, the crowd became ecstatic when Kafulafuta MMD member of parliament George Mpombo arrived to give solidarity to Fr Bwalya.
Several people who had taken over both lanes of President Avenue mobbed Mpombo while chanting, whistling and ululating as he made his way through the thicket of people into the courtroom.
‘Lekeni ba Mpombo bengile, ba lekeni mukwai’ said the people, and the police allowed him to enter the courtroom where he joined other parliamentarians like Chishimba Kambwili for Roan and Mwenya Musenge for Nkana.
The jubilant and enchanted crowd outside continued in songs for the duration of the hearing but when a police officer slapped someone for trying to jump the cordon line, some people started throwing stones at the police, who in turn fired tear gas and started beating people with shot batons, even those who were passing by.
People then started running towards ZIBSIP College and Mukuba Pension House, where they smashed cars and looted oil products and soft drinks at Kobil Service Station along 13th Avenue.
Business came to a standstill and shops and offices located near the city square, which had opened in the morning in readiness for trading, had to close. The affected entities included Stanbic Bank, ZSIC Limited, Kitwe Hardware, Vinco Limited, Mukuba Pensions House, Zesco Limited and several other outlets located near the court premises.
And Elias Kamanga, together with several other people were arrested by the police for allegedly inciting people to riot.
Reacting to the arrests, PF National youth chairman Eric Chanda accused the police of creating a violent situation with intentions to arrest members of the Patriotic Front (PF).
“If Rupiah Banda and his police officers like Kabonde and Mutentwa want war with Zambians through persecution, they can do it but people are ready for change,” said Chanda.
“PF is a peaceful party and we advise this government to stop persecuting innocent people like Fr Bwalya and we demand the unconditional release of PF youths since the police created this unfortunate situation.”
In court, Fr Bwalya pleaded not guilty to a charge of conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Kitwe chief resident magistrate Mercy Makubalo granted Fr Bwalya a K100,000 bail in his own recognisance with two working sureties who should be employed in a government department or parastatal or running an established business.
Fr Bwalya, 41, a Catholic priest in Kitwe is facing one count of conduct likely to breach the peace contrary to section 178 (f) of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence before amendment read that Fr Bwalya on 12th March, 2010 in Kitwe publicly conducted himself in a manner that was likely to cause a breach of peace.
But before plea could be taken, one of Fr Bwalya’s lawyers, Richard Mandona of Permanent Chambers urged the court to press the prosecution to provide necessary information in the particulars of the offence, which he said was insufficient.
Mandona argued that the particulars of the offence as they were framed did not give sufficient information on how Fr Bwalya mis-conducted himself and that the details were necessary for him to defend himself.
“Was he fighting, was he shouting? What conduct did he do that raises this charge?”
Another defence lawyer Leonard Kasuba of Makumbi and Company noted that the omission of the place where the alleged offence was committed was clearly an irregularity.
Another defence lawyer Terence Chabu urged the court to quash the charge on grounds that the stated particulars were vague.
But state prosecutor Martin Shula submitted that the charge was in no way defective and that there was no law that required a specific place where the offence was committed to be mentioned.
In her ruling, magistrate Makubalo agreed with the defence that conduct likely to breach peace is committed in a public place and that in their indictment the state needed to name the place where the offence was committed.
The particulars of the offence were amended accordingly to include the phrase “that Fr Bwalya at City Square in Kitwe conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace”.
Immediately after Fr Bwalya took plea, the state informed the court that it was ready to for trial but the defence objected on grounds that they had not had enough time to get proper instructions from their client.
“This is justice hurried. The accused person was arrested on Friday and was immediately whisked off to Kamfinsa and brought today to court. We have never had time to get proper instructions from our client. We, therefore request the court to afford us more time to get proper instructions from our client. We ask for an adjournment,” said Kasuba.
The state did not object but urged the court to warn the accused against interfering with witnesses.
Another defence lawyer Terence Chabu asked the court to give Fr Bwalya bail because he was a man of fixed abode and would comply with the bail conditions.
And Kasuba urged the court to give favourable bail conditions because men of God had a humble economic background.
Magistrate Makubalo granted Fr Bwalya bail but urged him and the defence team to caution their followers against making too much noise at court.
She said failure to comply with her warning would prompt her to lock up all the noisemakers.
The matter was adjourned to March 31, 2010 for commencement of trial.
And in interview shortly after his release on bail, Fr Bwalya said he had never felt so confident of the value of the message he had started, to change Zambia and make it more humane, more just and a family where people share equitably.
He said his arrest was another baptism of him and others who believed in his message for change.
“My arrest is God’s way to continue exposing the intolerance, the corruption and selfishness of our government led by Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda,” Fr Bwalya said. “The way police behaved today (yesterday) is something that should be condemned by all Zambians that want to see a Zambia where justice, democracy and good governance reigns.”
Fr Bwalya said on Sunday, President Banda at Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) in Lusaka’s Matero township remarked that he (Fr Bwalya) was engaging in violent activities knowing too well that yesterday he was appearing in court.
He said President Banda’s corrupt and repressive regime needed to prove him right by causing a scene at the court that sparked violence as a way of confirming the President’s shock.
“As a matter of fact, how can a President who re-appoints a minister who has been found guilty on eight counts but discharged on one count, can such a President be shocked about my activities? How can a President who stops an appeal against a thief who has stolen from the Zambian public be shocked by what I am doing?” asked Fr Bwalya. “As a matter of fact, Mr Rupiah Banda is shocked that the UNIP era is long gone, people will not tolerate those who protect criminals.”
Fr Bwalya said people would not keep quiet when they had been denied a durable, people-centred and multiparty constitution.
He described government’s actions as kicks of a dying horse.
“They (government) are very strong, they are very powerful, but it’s for a while. Very soon, it will be dead silence,” he said.
Fr Bwalya said he looked at himself as John the Baptist preparing the people for change and helping them to decide on the quality of this leader to come.
“At last when the one who is to come appears, I will point to them so that the people can follow and effect the change they deserve,” he said.
Fr Bwalya said he had a lot of things in his heart to tell President Banda but since he was hard of hearing, he would write him an open letter through First Lady Thandiwe Banda.
“I also have a message for Mr. Michael Sata and Mr. Hakainde Hichilema from the over 1,600 prisoners at Kamfinsa Prison. This message is very important for Zambia. It will only be known to the public when I have met the two leaders together in confidence,” Fr Bwalya said.
He thanked all the people who prayed and strengthened him during his arrest, especially Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Alick Banda who visited him on Saturday.
Fr Bwalya also advised Zambians not to allow anyone spoil the soup just because they (MMD) were on their way out.
“Say no to any violence, no violence, God forbids,” said Fr Bwalya.
And Change Life Zambia interim chairperson Fr Richard Luonde said Fr Bwalya was not after the presidency.
“Whoever goes in, Change Life Zambia will always monitor them,” said Fr Luonde of the Anglican Church in Chingola.
Meanwhile, UPND Copperbelt vice-chairperson Doreen Sefuke said that blood would spill if Fr Bwalya was not released.
Sefuke said the PF/UPND Pact on the Copperbelt had given the MMD government a red card because their incompetence could no longer be tolerated.
In an interview, Sefuke said the police had arrested a wrong person and that the MMD government should be prepared to bear the consequences.
“The Pact is not going to sit and watch. The MMD government should prepare themselves for what is about to happen,” she said.
Sefuke said the Pact was more than ready to take on anyone who was mistreating Zambians.
She wondered why Fr Bwalya was arrested when a lot of police officers were in support of the red card campaign.
“On women’s day, we were dressed in red and giving out the red cards to people. Why were we not arrested,” she asked. “The police also received the red cards and if they think I am lying, I can give them the police officers who requested for the red cards for their families.
Why should this government intimidate people, they should go, we don’t want them and we are going to continue flashing the red cards, they should arrest us all if they want.”
Labels: FRANK BWALYA, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, RIOTS
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Attempted murder reports spark riots in Solwezi
By David Chongo in Solwezi and Sututu Katundu in Lusaka
Fri 26 Feb. 2010, 19:30 CAT
ZAMBEZI residents have rioted, looted and damaged property belonging to a local businessman and others after he was accused of having attempted to murder his saleslady in a forest on Wednesday. Meanwhile, police have arrested the businessman for attempted murder and 42 others for riotous behavior and malicious damage to property.
Northern Western Province police commanding officer, Fabian Katiba confirmed in an interview that the riot, lasting several hours, resulted in damage to property belonging to the named businessman.
“We had riotous behaviour starting from 09:30 hours until late in the afternoon. It involves a businessman named Kenneth Likola and his saleslady,” he said.
Katiba explained that Likola, who owns several trading entities in the district, on Wednesday evening gave a lift to his saleslady identified as Carol Mateyo after business hours.
However, Likola is said to have diverted to a local forest 15km away where he produced a pistol and fired in the air.
According to police, confusion ensued between the two and somehow Mateyo managed to escape to a nearby village from where she sent a text message to her aunt about the incident.
Police stated that her aunt in turn informed them of the incident.
Later, Mateyo is said to have reported to the police in person followed by Likola himself.
The police then took the duo to the scene of the shooting in the forest.
“When people heard of the incident, they started breaking into his shops. Forty-two people have been arrested for riotous behaviour and malicious damage to property. Likola has been arrested for attempted murder,” said Katiba.
And an eyewitness told The Post in Solwezi that police had a tough time controlling the riotous residents and had to call for reinforcements from soldiers and some police officers from Chavuma.
“One of the two shops belonging to Likola has been completely looted with nothing remaining. The third shop has been shattered,” said one witness.
In a related development, reliable sources in Solwezi have revealed that government has deported 4 Congolese refugees, arrested a further 100 and detained a soldier who is alleged to have shot dead one of the refugees in connection with the recent disturbance at Meheba.
The sources also revealed that there were no Angolan refugees involved in the matter but only Congolese and some from Burundi.
The 100 refugees have been charged with unlawful gathering while the soldier has been remanded in police custody for a possible charge of murder.
And UNHCR has condemned the killing of a refugee woman at Meheba during an operation by the police, army and immigration on Wednesday.
In a statement released yesterday, UNHCR representative James Lynch welcomed the announcement by home affairs minister Lameck Mangani that investigations into the incident and use of force by security officers would take place.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the incident. We had hoped that this situation would have been resolved peacefully and without the use of force,” he said.
Lynch said the UNHCR understood that the aim of the operation was to bring to an end a protest by some 200 refugees, who had been occupying the administrative block in the settlement since end of January this year.
Lynch said the protest followed a legendary period of tension and unrest in the settlement over corrupt practices and fraud, which were investigated jointly and confirmed by the Commissioner for Refugees and UNHCR.
Labels: NORTHWESTERN PROVINCE, RIOTS
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Expatriates’ conditions
By John Kane
Mon 16 Nov. 2009, 04:00 CAT
I don’t support people who resort to riots. However, what transpired in Chingola where KCM employees rioted and destroyed machinery worth millions of kwacha should be a wake-up call to the legislators of this country.
I say this because if we had a law governing the way expatriates are paid compared to Zambian employees, particularly in the mines, it would help to minimise similar conflicts happening in the near future.
KCM employees complained that some Indian employees are paid $6000 while a Zambian is paid $500 for the same job done. In addition, these Indians have free accommodation while a Zambian miner has to pay rentals through the nose! What criteria are used to arrive at such figures? I don’t have any grudge against Indian community, but I will blame our own people, Zambians who are aware about such disparities and have chosen to be quiet. Such a disparity is not only seen in KCM but in all the mines.
It will therefore be imperative for the government, particularly the President, to take interest in this matter. The late president Mwanawasa stopped Mopani Copper Mines from implementing a buying system which was going to hinder most Zambians from doing business with the mine. I therefore strongly feel that if the President can speak on our behalf to the mine owners to raise our salaries to match those of foreign employees, miners shall live happily ever after.
Labels: KCM, LABOUR, RIOTS, SALARIES
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KCM workers riot over salary increment
By Zumani Katasefa and Speedwell Mupuchi in Chingola
Thu 12 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
KONKOLA Copper Mine (KCM) workers yesterday went on rampage blocking some streets and burning two trucks and workers' quarters for Yangts Jiang Contractors, in their continued demands for a salary increment. The miners fought running battles with police officers while others looted bags of mealie-meal from Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) mealie-meal distribution centres.
What started as a peaceful protest within the mine premises exploded into a chaotic one after police in riot gear fired teargas to disperse the miners who wanted to stop their colleagues working at the new smelter.
A union official who did not want to be named said things worsened as all miners never went underground. He said all workshops were not operating while only a section of the new smelter was operational.
The official said police officers in riot gear deployed at the new smelter fired teargas at the miners who were advancing towards the new smelter.
He said the miners then ran amok, going outside the plant to the India Villa, where Indians are accommodated.
"The pressure is out of the plant into the residences now. The crowd has gone amok, even some shops have not opened fearing a situation like the 2005 one," said the official.
And some miners talked to said they were not allowed to go underground and so they started a peaceful protest inside the mine premises.
"So police officers fired teargas to scare the people and people left the plant to go to the Indian quarters. They stoned the quarters and looted a few items," said the miner who did not want to be identified.
The miners said there was no way Indian workers at KCM should be paid much better than the Zambian employees.
"Indians are given food, they are accommodated, they are given loans while us we have to scrounge around! Is this fair? An Indian gets US $6000 while a Zambian employee gets US $500 but they are doing the same job," complained the miners.
The miners also demanded the removal of their human resources manager, a Mutonu and another management official they called Sophia Masupha.
"The Indians are okay but it's our fellow Zambians who have betrayed us, so we don't want these two officials," said the miners found along Kitwe road.
The miners, after leaving the plant, went and burnt down two trucks and living quarters for workers belonging to Yangts Jiang a contractor engaged to construct flats for the KCM Indian workers.
"We are not happy with what is happening; there is no way our negotiations for salaries can take so long. They were taking an excuse of the falling down of copper prices, but now the price of copper has picked up, they don't want to offer us an increment," complained one of the workers.
The miners complained that there is no way KCM could be giving contracts to foreign companies and denying Zambian contractors the same opportunity.
"They are just giving contracts to Indian companies, very few Zambian contractors have been engaged and those who are being given contracts are being underpaid," complained the workers.
They further complained that there was no way KCM could employ a welder from India and pay him a hefty salary yet there were so many qualified welders just languishing in the streets.
"This company has built flats for about 5,000 Indians, yet we the Zambian workers are paid very little," said one of the workers.
Some of the miners went into the residences where they looted mealie-meal from MUZ mealie-meal distribution centres in Nchanga North and Nsansa.
A check by The Post at Nsansa found about 180 bags of mealie-meal had been looted and documents showing records of transactions scattered outside the centre.
Nsansa MUZ mealie-meal distribution centre officer in charge Felix Katuta said he was not at the centre when the miners looted the commodity.
And at North Nchanga mealie-meal distribution centre, quick action by police prevented miners from further looting.
Armed police officers kept vigil within the town premises. Yangts Jiang workers whose houses were burnt complained that State police failed to give them maximum protection compared to the way they protected the Indians who were the target of the rampaging miners.
"The police went to protect the Indians… when the miners started burning our houses, we were made to run and hide in Nchanga Hospital. They burnt all our property including clothes," said one of the affected Yangts Jiang workers.
Other workers said they were forced to hide in a nearby toilet in fear of the violent miners.
"We don't know where we can even go and complain over our stolen and damaged property. We don't know where we are going to sleep," they complained.
Police had picked up a number of KCM miners who were found blocking roads using logs and other objects.
Labels: DEMONSTRATION, KCM, MUZ, RIOTS, SALARIES
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Uganda riots: Museveni blames opposition
Reuters
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni accused the opposition on Tuesday of exploiting a dispute between his government and the leaders of an ancient kingdom to foment last week’s deadly riots.
Local media say at least 21 people were killed in two days of street protests that convulsed the capital Kampala and other towns in the country’s central region.
In comments to parliament, Museveni asked why Kizza Besigye, a former ally who now leads the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), would want to see more bloodshed in Uganda.
"Why does a political leader like Dr Besigye, or any other leader, promote riots?" Museveni said. "There are legal ways in the constitution to deal with any eventuality."
East Africa’s third biggest economy has been hailed for its political and macro-economic stability over the last two decades after years of civil war during the 1970s and 80s.
Museveni has been widely admired for his fiscal reforms and poverty alleviation programmes. But critics, including some Western donors, accuse him of rights abuses and repression.
A fight with Buganda, one of Uganda’s four ancient kingdoms, adds to the pressure on him after the opposition said major reforms were essential if the next election in 2011 was to be free and fair.
Last week’s clashes between members of the Buganda and police broke out after the authorities barred the Buganda king from visiting a flashpoint town east of the capital on territory that Buganda claims.
Former leader Milton Obote abolished the traditional kingdoms in the 1960s, but Museveni — a former rebel leader — reinstated their traditional and ceremonial powers in 1993.
But they were restricted from getting involved in politics. Experts say last week’s violence was spurred by long-simmering rows over land, power and corruption.
Besigye rejected Museveni’s claims. He said the protests were triggered by the government’s actions, and that he was habitually used as a scapegoat by the president’s team.
"There is absolutely no truth to it. The riots in Kampala were completely spontaneous," Besigye told Reuters by telephone.
In his speech, Museveni said the security forces should in future use minimal, non-lethal force to deal with demonstrators — but that rioters should be shot if they attacked civilians.
Human rights groups have criticised the "heavy-handed" response to the riots by the police and Ugandan military, which used live ammunition on crowds, beat and arrested journalists and shut down five radio stations.
One popular local radio talk show host, Robert Serumaga, was freed on bail on Tuesday after being charged with six counts of sedition. He said he had been throttled and beaten by security agents during his detention over the weekend. — .
Labels: BUGANDA, RIOTS, YOWERI MUSEVENI
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Riots rock Ugandan capital for second day, 3 die
Written by Jack Kimball
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:18:41 PM
KAMPALA (Reuters) - Gunshots rang out in the Ugandan capital Kampala on Friday and at least three people were killed as security forces clashed with rioters for a second day over
a row between the government and the kingdom of Buganda.
The violence has been triggered by land and power disputes between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's government and leaders of Buganda -- one of Uganda's four ancient kingdoms. Kabaka Ronald Mutebi, the king of Buganda, postponed a visit scheduled for Saturday to the flashpoint Bugandan town of Kayunga in an effort to avoid further bloodshed.
"We don't want to see an escalation of the violence", said Medard Lubega, deputy information minister of Buganda.
Two foreign exchange dealers told Reuters the market was shrugging off the violence. The Ugandan shilling was little changed from Thursday at 1,960 versus the dollar.
On Thursday the Buganda number two, known as the Katikiro, was barred from visiting Kayunga, a town east of Kampala where locals say other ethnic groups have taken prime farmland that the kingdom claims as part of its historical territory. He was preparing the ground for the king's arrival on Saturday.
Police had said on Friday the visit would not be allowed.
A spokesman for Kampala's main Mulago Hospital said three people were killed in Friday's unrest. Deputy police spokesman Richard Musesi told Reuters 50 had been admitted to hospital and about the same number arrested.
Among the dead was a teenager who had been shot in the head and was wrapped in a shawl, surrounded by sobbing relatives. Witnesses said he and another young man were killed by security forces riding armoured personnel carriers.
"This kid was not in the protest. They shot him in a shop," the boy's mother told Reuters. She did not give her name.
Kampala's streets were mostly deserted, and thick plumes of black smoke from burning tyres rose over the city's hills. Police said four people had been killed on Thursday in similar clashes, but denied using excessive force.
The inspector general of police, Major General Kale Kayihura, decried "hooliganism" and "senseless lawlessness" also afflicting other towns in central Uganda.
In a statement, he said the violence was preceded by inflammatory and sectarian broadcasts by CBS Radio, which is owned by the kingdom of Buganda, and said anyone who wanted to cause chaos or disrupt the peace would be dealt with decisively.
CBS Radio was taken off air on Thursday, and on Friday the authorities closed three more stations they accused of inciting violence: Suubi FM, Radio Sapientia and Radio Two Akabooza.
BIG TEST FOR MUSEVENI
East Africa's third biggest economy has been hailed for its political and economic stability over the last two decades following civil war in the 1970s and 80s.
Investor interest is heating up in Uganda's west where an estimated 2 billion barrels of crude have been discovered by explorers including London-listed Tullow Oil.
Museveni has been widely admired for fiscal reforms and poverty alleviation programmes. Critics, including some Western donors, accuse him of rights abuses and repression.
Conflict with Buganda adds to the pressure on him after the opposition said major reforms were essential if the next election in 2011 was to be free and fair.
Daniel Kalinaki, managing editor of Uganda's independent Daily Monitor newspaper, said the riots were the biggest test of the former rebel's presidency. Writing before the announcement that the Bugandan king had postponed his visit, Kalinaki said:
"The first and easier choice would be for the president to put the blame on over-zealous officials and allow the Kabaka to visit Kayunga," adding this might now make Museveni appear weak and vulnerable to more street protests.
"The second option is to face down the Kabaka and forcefully block (his) visit. This carries its own risks," he said, adding the organisers of Saturday's event had put the kingdom's credibility on the line.
Uganda's former leader Milton Obote abolished the historical kingdoms in 1966. In the early 1990s, Museveni restored the traditional leaders, who are widely revered by their subjects.
In recent days Museveni has publicly complained about the Bugandan king.
Labels: BUGANDA, NEOLIBERALISM, RIOTS, UGANDA
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S.Africa riots press Zuma to live up to promises
Written by Michael Georgy
Saturday, July 25, 2009 7:37:53 PM
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Violent riots and threats of a fresh wave of crippling labour strikes may force South African President Jacob Zuma to deliver quickly on election promises and risk scaring investors in Africa's biggest economy.
Just three months after his African National Congress's sweeping election victory, township violence is boiling over in scenes reminiscent of unrest during apartheid.
Charismatic and persuasive, Zuma raised high hopes in his election campaign, vowing to help millions of blacks still living in shacks 15 years after the ANC came to power.
Now the riots have injected urgency into the task, and Zuma is limited by the first recession in Africa's biggest economy in 17 years. He must also reassure foreign investors he will be cautious about spending and not steer the economy to the left.
"Now we are seeing an early test. We are seeing a very visible sign of the extent of discontent, something that hadn't really been on investors' radar screens," said Razia Khan, regional head of research for Africa at Standard Chartered.
"This is something that will sit uncomfortably over the longer term for anyone really concerned about potential next steps, what can be done given the extent of discontent."
TROUBLE ON MANY FRONTS
Zuma faces trouble on several fronts. Labour union allies who helped his rise have wasted no time in pushing hard for leftist economic policies that could unnerve investors.
Labour demands are piling up by the day as frustrations spread in townships where police fired rubber bullets and teargas this week at protestors who hurled stones at them.
A fuel sector union agreed to an improved 9.5 percent wage offer on Thursday but warned it may yet strike in sympathy with paper and chemical workers who downed tools this week.
Council workers are threatening to stay at home from Monday, action that could keep tens of thousands of local government employees at home, crippling the public sector.
Gold and coal unions are considering a pay offer. If they reject it stoppages will hit some of the world's biggest mines.
New strikes could delay efforts to improve basic services, raising the possibility of new riots erupting.
Township residents are calling for the removal of local ANC officials they accuse of corruption and gross neglect of communities lacking jobs, housing, sanitation and medical care.
Even if Zuma had the resources, throwing money at the problem would not help because of the extent of incompetence and corruption in local government, analysts say.
"Even if they put together a Marshall plan at this stage we know that local government capacity is a huge problem," said political analyst Susan Booysen.
"It's almost a brick wall into which all excitement about democracy and participation and improvement of life just crashes."
So far, the rage is focused on local authorities and township residents say it is too early to judge Zuma.
But the long-term credibility of the man who portrays himself as the champion of the poor may rest on whether he takes decisive action against local government officials.
That was clear in flashpoint Siyathemba township. When local mayor Lefty Tsotetsi arrived in an armoured police vehicle to address thousands of seething residents, it was too risky for him to steep out of the vehicle.
Young men, some carrying clubs and pipes, said they have been unemployed for years and accused him of living a life of luxury and handing out jobs to relatives and friends.
He later promised to improve services. No one seemed to believe the mayor and a new house he is building was torched.
Zuma told businessmen late on Thursday that although the government acknowledged problems with delivering basic services, looting, violence and the destruction of property could not be justified.
Tough security measures could deepen alienation.
In Siyathemba, some spoke of a policeman named Doctor who they say was brutal in dealing with the unrest. "He will die like a dog," several young men threatened.
"A crackdown is often going to be difficult, Zuma has to maintain his approach in being more open, more consultative and try to utilise the space that is open, in terms of engagement, that is where the short term solution can come about," said Eurasia Group analyst Mike Davies.
For now, a weak opposition and South Africa's peculiar political system could work in Zuma's favour. The same incensed people who protest against poor services are the biggest backers of the ANC, mainly because it led the fight against apartheid.
"They don't just votes they throw bricks as well. It's a very awkward type of political culture we have. We have practiced that now for quite a number of years. And protest in South Africa does not necessarily mean instability," said
Labels: JACOB ZUMA, NEOCOLONIALISM, PROPAGANDA, RIOTS
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Chipata residents stone mayor’s house over slashing of maize
Written by Christopher Mite in Chipata
Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:02:21 AM
IRATE Chipata residents yesterday stoned Chipata mayor Sinoya Mwale’s house in Kapata compound hours after the council started slashing maize on hill slops.
Mwale, who confirmed the incident in an interview, said he was not at home when the people stoned his house.
“I had gone to the farm but I have just heard that some people have stoned my house but I have not yet been there. I have also been advised by police not to go to Kapata but at the moment, police are at my house to control the situation,” he said.
Mwale said the matter had already been reported to Chipata police.
“As I am talking to you now, my wife has gone to police to record a statement because you know, on issues such as this one, the law must always take its course,” he said.
Mwale said according to the reports he was receiving, the people had damaged some windowpanes.
Asked to confirm whether the residents had stoned his house because the council had started slashing maize on hill slops, Mwale said he was also thinking in the same lines.
He said the issue of slashing maize from hill slops had become political.
“A lot of people have welcomed this idea but most of those that are against it are being incited by politicians,” said Mwale.
When contacted for comment acting Chipata municipal council town clerk Noel Muchimba could not comment on the matter.
The local authority started the exercise of slashing maize from hill slops in Nabvutika area.
Earlier in the morning, a team of council and state police officers swung into action and slashed maize that has been cultivated on hill slops in Nabvutika.
According to ZANIS, the council, with the protection of state police, moved into the area as early as 07:00 hours to slash the maize.
Eyewitnesses said there was resistance from field owners which forced police to start firing tear gas canisters to disperse them.
Some affected farmers who stormed the district commissioner’s office carrying maize stalks pleaded with the local authority to stop slashing the maize, claiming that they had already applied fertiliser in their fields.
The residents, who openly wept as they waited to seek audience with the district commissioner Nicholas Banda, said the council should have warned them not to cultivate on hill slops last year in August, adding that the most affected persons were looking after vulnerable people.
One of the residents, Violet Mwale, said a lot of vulnerable people were being helped through the same cultivation of maize and that the department of social welfare alone could not manage to help needy people in society.
Labels: CHIPATA, MAIZE, RIOTS, SINOYA MWALE
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Miners warn of resistance to close LCM
December 23, 2008
The Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MWUZ)and National Union of Miners and Allied Workers Union (NUMIAWU) have warned that any attempts to switch off equipment or attempts to close Luanshya Copper Mines operations would be met with maximum resistance.
The two unions have also urged its members to closely monitor operations and ensure that no materials or scrap metal leaves the premises of the company.
Addressing a joint press conference at Katilungu house today, MUZ President, Rayford Mbulu, appealed to government and the technical committee to ensure and guarantee continued Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) operations, employment and incomes, as this would lessen anxiety and fears by members so that peace prevailed in Luanshya.
Mr Mbulu also said the two unions have rejected the putting mine assets on ”care and maintenance”.
He suggested that the shutdown schedule as outlined on 19th December be revisited and advised that no letters should be issued to employees by LCM management util things are straight.
Mr Mbulu, who was flanked by NUMAWU president, Mundia Sikufele, appealed to all stakeholders to engage in a fast tracked process to create a vehicle for continued LCM operations.
He also reminded LCM management to honour in full their obligations to employees for rendered services by ensuring that the terminations were accompanied by terminal benefits as outlined in the collective agreement.
The MUZ president requested mine owners and shareholders, whose corporate and global interests outweigh the interests of the country, to offload their shares to government and hand back the mine assets to ZCCM-IH to protect domestic economy through continued operations to safeguard mine assets, job losses and asset stripping.
Labels: DEMONSTRATION, LCM, MINERS, MUZ, NUMAW, RAYFORD MBULU, RIOTS
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Tension in Luanshya
Written by Editor
When a lot of people talked about tension in the country following the October 30 presidential election, some overzealous ministers, including President Rupiah Banda, dismissed such talk as wishful thinking.
But today, Acting Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde is saying he had to dispatch over 60 police officers to Luanshya Copper Mines because of the tension surrounding the closure of the mines.
This is just but a tip of the iceberg. The events in Luanshya in the last few days are an indication of the desperate situation in the whole country. But of course, those who like hiding their heads in the sand like ostriches will be quick to dismiss this, again. Things are fast falling apart but remedial measures are nowhere in sight.
There has been so much talk about job losses in the mines. Yes, this is true. But these losses are everywhere; and sooner than later, the balloon will burst and these problems will be laid bare for all to see.
The most disappointing thing, however, is that Rupiah – who during election campaigns seemed to have a bag full of ideas on how to deal with Zambia’s problems – is today at sea on how to handle these problems. Instead of telling Zambians how he intends to deal with these issues, Rupiah wants to hoodwink them he has inherited or faced problems that no other president of this country has ever faced. What a lie!
Anyway, we are not among those who have so far expressed disappointment at Rupiah’s style of leadership because we never, in the first place, misled ourselves that he was equal to the task. We kept saying ‘time will tell’. And indeed, time is telling and the worst is yet to come.
We said Rupiah was a deceitful person and he would rule by deceit. We were called names for stating this plain truth.
During the October 30 presidential campaigns, Rupiah was acting as President of Zambia. In this position, he was well placed to understand better the country’s challenges; what was possible for his government to do and what was not possible after elections. But because he is a deceitful old man, Rupiah proceeded to promise Zambians all sorts of things ranging from reduction of mealie-meal prices to creation of more job opportunities. Each time he stood on the campaign podium, he repeated the chorus on how he was going to reduce poverty.
He repeatedly reminded Zambians that he was the best man to succeed the late Levy Mwanawasa because he closely worked with him for two years and he therefore understood what he did and was doing to develop the country’s economy.
However, as soon as he was elected President, Rupiah’s language changed and none of his election promises was fulfilled. Instead, Zambians were treated to increased mealie-meal prices and generally the prices of all essential commodities. The fertiliser that was promised to farmers was nowhere to be seen; the job opportunities that Zambians expected have turned into job losses. Even some of Rupiah’s sponsors and supporters have not yet received what they expected to get from him after campaigning for him. This is how deceitful Rupiah is. Behind that silence, that quietness and the so-called humility, there is a lot of deceit which most people do not immediately see.
In justifying this failure, Rupiah today is claiming that he has faced the kind of problems that no other president has faced. What has changed? It’s only a month ago that he, as acting President, asked for mandate from Zambians to enable him continue with Levy’s legacy and serve the country even better. He never talked about problems that would impede his delivery of development to the country. The credit crunch in the United States was being talked about all over, including in Zambia. But Rupiah and his followers kept saying Zambia was not going to be affected.
Today, Rupiah and his team want to use the same credit crunch and the general global economic recession as reasons for Zambia’s economic challenges. Yes, it’s true that these global developments will not spare our country. But it is wicked to blame all our current economic problems on the global economic recession. We say this because reports indicate that some countries, like Rwanda, are doing extremely well, even under the experiences of global economic recession. Before Levy fell ill and later died, Zambia had so many challenges, including economic challenges. But Zambians were not affected as they are today; they didn’t complain as they are doing today. That is why Rupiah was promising more job opportunities and improved economy because things were that good. All he needed was merely to improve on what Levy had achieved, to strengthen the foundation that Levy had laid.
Now, it appears to us things are crumbling because Rupiah and his team do not seem to know how to manage the country. They are at sea. Even guesswork is failing. How can one explain the sudden crumbling of an economy that was so promising? The cost of doing business in Zambia has suddenly doubled, especially for those businesses that rely much on imports. That is why many companies are opting to lay off their workforce. If this is not addressed soonest, Zambians will experience unprecedented misery next year.
As we come to a close of the year, there is every need for those in leadership positions to seriously ponder on how these economic challenges facing our people will be resolved. We can’t continue like it’s business as usual, giving excuses of global economic recession as the main cause when all can see that it is failure on the part of those in government.
Rupiah promised to give Zambians the best. So let all Zambians demand this from him, although we know he is not capable of delivering. All the same, Zambians should still put pressure on him so that he can realise his inadequacies and give up his dream to rule Zambia for eight years. Zambia deserves better.
Labels: JOBLOSSES, LCM, RIOTS, RUPIAH BANDA
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