KITWE - The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) has alleged that its campaign officials were attacked in Kitwe, claiming one of its senior officials has gone into hiding following the incident.
According to a statement issued by the party, NRPUP Information and Publicity Chairperson Elias Kamanga alleged that more than 50 suspected UPND cadres stormed Nkana East Police Station on Sunday night while demanding to know his whereabouts.
Mr. Kamanga claimed he had gone to the police station to report an alleged aggravated robbery at Eshuko Apartments, where members of NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile's campaign team were reportedly staying.
He alleged that the group, armed with firearms, pangas and catapults, demanded that police hand him over and threatened to kill him.
According to Mr. Kamanga, police officers hid him along with former State House Private Secretary Flatela Msimuko, Fuli Msimuko, a security guard and other NRPUP officials to prevent a confrontation.
Mr. Kamanga further alleged that his driver, Bornwell Mpundu Kalumya, and his security officer, Benjamin Sichinga, were assaulted before seeking refuge inside the police station.
He also claimed that earlier in the evening, the same group attacked Eshuko Apartments, where they allegedly assaulted a security guard identified only as Nyimbiri, seized his firearm and pointed it at Mr. Flatela Msimuko.
According to Mr. Kamanga, the attackers allegedly stole K28,000 in cash and a mobile phone belonging to Mr. Msimuko, as well as mobile phones belonging to another former State House aide, Andrew Chella.
He further alleged that as the suspects fled, they abandoned a white Toyota Hiace minibus near the apartment entrance after being confronted by NRPUP Central Committee member David Kakoma.
Mr. Kamanga claimed the abandoned vehicle allegedly contained UPND chitenge materials, bags and a passport belonging to a man identified as Felix Chewe.
He said police later visited the scene and instructed him, Mr. Msimuko, the security guard and representatives from Geyes Security to accompany officers to Nkana East Police Station to open a formal case.
Mr. Kamanga has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to stop what he described as political violence against opposition members.
By press time, Mr. Kamanga claimed he was in hiding, while his driver and bodyguard were reportedly being held at Nkana East Police Station.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from the Zambia Police Service or the UPND regarding the claims.
Source: Smart Eagles