Lusaka, Zambia (PANA) – Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament Jonas Shakafuswa, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting six cadres from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) during campaigns ahead of Tuesday’s parliamentary by-election in the Mangango constituency, western Zambia.
Shakafuswa, who is currently detained at the Kaoma Police Station, had been charged with assault and malicious damage after he beat up the six cadres and damaged property during the fracas.
The opposition MP allegedly raided the PF camp at Mwanambuyu Primary School, where some party officials were staying and assaulted some of the cadres.
According to the state-run Times of Zambia, Western Province Police Commissioner Lombe Kamukoshi, who confirmed the arrest of Shakufuswa, said the MP is currently in police custody.
Shakafuswa’s arrest comes two days after Vice-President Guy Scott accused UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema, of fanning violence in Mangango where campaigns are going on.
But Hichilema has accused the Zambia Police Service of allegedly practising selective justice following the arrest of Shakafuswa .
The UPND leader who accused the police of highly favouring the ruling party, charged that Shakafuswa was attacked by the PF cadres and that instead of the police arresting the cadres they ended up arresting an innocent man who never caused any harm to the PF cadres.
Western Province Deputy Police Commissioner Lackson Sakala, said the situation was under control and that officers were on the ground to thwart any potential violence and assured that peace would prevail on Tuesday as people cast their ballot.
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