PF Accuses Police of Bias

Lubinda says the cops shielding UPND cadres while blocking the opposition’s lawful briefing.

By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia24. --- (18th November 2025) -- The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has accused the Zambia Police Service of abandoning neutrality, alleging that officers blocked the party from holding a scheduled press briefing while failing to act against suspected UPND cadres involved in recent attacks. 

Acting PF President Given Lubinda described the police’s conduct as a blatant display of partiality that threatens Zambia’s democratic principles.

Lubinda told journalists that the police’s decision to halt the briefing was not only unlawful but a direct assault on the democratic freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. 

He said the PF had formally notified the police about the event, yet officers still appeared at the Secretariat and ordered the gathering to be stopped without any lawful justification.

 “If the police choose to protect one political group while suppressing another, they are no longer a neutral law enforcement agency but an extension of political power,” Mr. Lubinda said. 

He added that the pattern of selective enforcement was evident in recent attacks on PF members, which saw no arrests of suspected UPND perpetrators.

Lubinda urged Inspector General of Police Graphael Musamba to take immediate corrective action to restore public confidence, warning that Zambia “cannot afford a slide into lawlessness and intimidation.” 

He said the PF would not accept attempts to silence it and was consulting its legal team on steps to challenge the police’s actions.

He also appealed to civil society, the church, and the international community to monitor the conduct of law enforcement agencies, noting that Zambia’s democratic space is at risk if institutions continue to act in a partisan manner. 

"The PF confirmed it would proceed with planned programmes and defend members’ rights through all legal avenues," he noted.

Lubinda said officers from Lusaka Division arrived at the PF Secretariat in military-style uniforms and advised the party to disperse, citing “intelligence reports” of a possible attack if the briefing went ahead.

“When we asked why the police were advising us to disperse instead of protecting us, they said they had been instructed only to tell us to cancel the meeting,” he said.

He added that Lusaka Division Command told PF officials the police had acted on an ex-parte court order allegedly obtained by Mr. Chavinda. Lubinda insisted the PF had never been served with the order and therefore was not bound by it.

“The police have no right to interfere with our enjoyment of the Secretariat based on an order not directed at them. If there is any violation, it is the complainant who must seek contempt proceedings—not the police,” he said.

Repeated attempts to seek clarification from the Inspector General of Police reportedly went unanswered.

Lubinda also condemned a violent attack on the PF Secretariat on Saturday, alleging that UPND cadres armed with a pistol and machetes stormed the premises, injured PF youths, damaged vehicles and property, and intimidated the public. 

He said the attack followed inflammatory statements by senior UPND officials after President Hakainde Hichilema was stoned in Chingola on 8 November.

“It is evident that these cadres did not just act spontaneously—they responded to instructions from their leaders,” he said, revealing that two PF youths and one passerby were hospitalized with injuries.

Lubinda questioned government claims that opposition cadres were responsible for the Chingola incident, asking why other motives were dismissed.

“Could it be frustrated UPND youths promised jobs and loans that never came? Could it be community members reacting to the high cost of living? Why is only one conclusion being pushed—that it was opposition cadres?”

He also pointed to contradictory statements from State House, UPND leaders, and government officials, highlighting poor coordination and credibility.

The PF leader demanded the immediate arrest of UPND officials accused of issuing threats that allegedly incited the attack.

 “Our members have been jailed before for alleged incitement even when violence never occurred. Now violence has actually happened—property has been damaged, and people injured. The police must act,” Lubinda said.

He added that the PF would pursue contempt proceedings against Mr. Chavinda and others “illegally purporting to hold PF leadership positions.”

Lubinda urged PF members and Zambians to remain vigilant, verify voter registration details, and prepare for the 2026 elections.

 “Your voter’s card is your most important tool. Mobilize and speak to your neighbours, families, and communities. We must prepare ourselves to stop what we see as growing intimidation,” he said.

He concluded by affirming that the PF would continue using its Secretariat despite the ongoing dispute and would hold the government accountable for all acts of political violence.

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