Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) has described the shooting of two people by the police during the questioning process of United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema as unacceptable and shocking.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Organization Executive Director Leah Mitaba said it’s unfortunate that Democracy and Freedom of Assembly is now resulting in the death of innocent Zambians.
Ms. Mitaba noted that the political tension being exhibited in the country is tarnishing the image of the Country, adding that even economically investors will have to think twice before they could invest in Zambia.
“The use of live ammunition is tarnishing the image of the country, because even investors will have to think twice before they could invest in Zambia,” Ms. Mitaba said.
She added that according to a reach conducted by the organization, it has been discovered that Zambia’s civic space is declining, when it should not be the case.
Ms. Mitaba has since called on President Edgar Lungu to come out and speak against the use of live ammunition by the police in a quest to ensure that he protects every Zambian.
“I am therefore calling upon President Edgar Lungu to come out and speak against the use of live ammunition by the police in a quest to ensure that he protects every Zambian,” she said.
And Ms. Mitaba further said the shooting situation is worrying especially as the Country heads to the polls next year, because it is happening just before the political parties can start campaigning.
She said the incidents are raising question marks to where the freedom of expression and association enshrined in the national constitution stands.