This article was penned prior to the release of the individuals mentioned, but their release does not alter our perspective. The only update is the inclusion of a photo.
By Zambian Whistleblower
Lusaka, Sept. 11 – If ever Zambians needed convincing that they made a mistake by voting for Hakainde Hichilema, their doubts are dissolving quickly.
Also Read: End Political Persecution in Zambia: A Call for Unity and Justice! Together, we can build a Zambia where every voice is heard and respected. Let’s champion a future where justice, equality, and peace prevail for all.
In addition to dragging Zambia into economic turmoil, threatening the livelihoods of millions, President Hichilema has displayed a level of ruthlessness reminiscent of a bygone era, long before civil rights were recognized universally.
No dignified leader of a democratic nation would condone the appalling treatment the Zambia Police have inflicted upon three young citizens, whose only offense was staging a peaceful protest at the Freedom Statue.
For nearly two weeks, Jason Mwanza and Chanda Chikwanka have been unjustly detained for their involvement in the protest—Jason for leading it, and Chanda for expressing his support.
Joining them in this unjustified detention is Thomas Zulu, a former Kafue Council Chairperson, who was arrested for alleged disorderly conduct. Despite the clear non-violent nature of their actions, the Zambia Police have denied the trio police bond, seemingly waiting for further directives from President Hichilema upon his return from China.
The 12-day detention of these three young Zambians, whose only “crime” is voicing their frustration over unemployment, skyrocketing living costs, and an unbearable 21-hour daily load-shedding schedule, stands as a testament to the cruelty under this administration.
Moreover, the suffering of Rizwani Patel and his co-accused must receive special attention when United Nations experts gather evidence to refute any formal complaints made by President Hichilema’s government in response to the growing body of reports highlighting human rights abuses under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government.
Also Read: Silence in the face of injustice is complicity! An examination of the Western response to the abduction of MP Hon. Emmanuel Jay Banda and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi exposes a troubling pattern of apathy and complicity.
Such treatment of citizens can only occur under a government led by an individual who is vindictive, cruel, and deeply hypocritical. President Hichilema’s hypocrisy, especially in relation to the violation of Jason Mwanza’s rights, is nothing short of outrageous.
Ironically, Hichilema himself once staged a lone protest at the same Freedom Statue against the previous Patriotic Front (PF) government. Yet, he was not arrested for it. What the PF government permitted him to do freely is the very act for which he has now ordered the arrest of Jason Mwanza.
What should we call such a leader? He is a ruthless hypocrite and a deceiver.
Indeed, he has proven himself a liar, having promised citizens like Jason Mwanza that, under his leadership, they would enjoy expanded freedoms, political rights, and massive foreign investments that would generate millions of jobs.
None of these promises have materialized. Instead, young people like Jason, who are grappling with unemployment and enduring the worst economic crisis since Zambia’s independence, are left with no choice but to protest.
President Hichilema’s response? He has unleashed the Zambia Police to detain peaceful protesters, using their imprisonment as a punitive measure and a tactic to intimidate others who might dare follow suit. This cruelty is symptomatic of the cult of fear that is being nurtured within the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
No one within the UPND dares to challenge Hichilema’s actions, no matter how abhorrent they may be. This growing culture of impunity is evident in numerous incidents: preventing the investigation into the abduction of lawmaker Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda, sanctioning the seven-month detention of Rizwani Patel and his co-accused, and now the unjust detention of Jason Mwanza, Chanda Chikwanka, and Thomas Zulu.
Also Read: Arrest Kawana and Matembo for Subverting the Law in the Abduction and Torture Case. Their attempt to persuade Hon. Banda to exonerate the named abductors is as heinous as Hon. Banda’s criminal abduction and torture.
The stark reality is that Dictator Hichilema, over the past three years, has been on a relentless mission to criminalize any form of criticism against his faltering administration, with journalism being one of its prime targets.
Among the unfortunate souls caught in the crosshairs of this malicious agenda are Brebner Changala, a civil and political activist, opposition figures Edith Nawakwi (Forum for Democracy and Development), Saboi Imboela (National Democratic Congress), Apostle Dan Pule (Dunamis Ministries), Fred M’membe (Socialist Party), Sean Tembo (Patriots for Economic Progress), Raphael Nakachinda (Patriotic Front), Emmanuel Mwamba (Patriotic Front), Munir Zulu (Independent Member of Parliament for Lumezi), Maureen Mabonga (Patriotic Front), and investigative journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo.
The favored accusation leveled against these dissenters is “seditious practices,” an archaic law wielded more than 70 years ago by colonialists—the last individual prosecuted under this law being the late Mainza Chona.
Hichilema has now earned the dubious honor of not only being a liar and hypocrite, but also matching the cruelty of colonial rulers in his treatment of government critics. To borrow from the words of Scripture, John 8:32 says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Yet under Hichilema’s rule, truth itself seems to be the first casualty, with those who speak it being shackled instead of set free.
Also Read: Reclaiming Zambia’s Future from Hyenas! The time has come for a fundamental shift in our approach to governance. Hichilema is right, Zambia cannot afford to be led by hyenas any longer!
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the author are solely their own and do not reflect those of Woodpecker’s Digest. Nonetheless, we are committed to serving as a platform for reputable journalists.
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