State Rejects Link to PF Chaos

Mweetwa pushes police to fast-track the inquiry and hold perpetrators accountable

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24, (Sunday, November 16, 2025) — The Government has distanced itself from Saturday’s violent fracas at the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretariat, firmly rejecting any suggestion that the State or the ruling UPND had a hand in the chaos. 

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the attackers—who were clad in UPND regalia—were not acting under any instruction from the party, and urged the police to fast-track the inquiry, expose the true perpetrators, and ensure they are held fully accountable.

Mweetwa described the incident as “unacceptable, regrettable, and inexcusable,” stressing that the violent conduct displayed by the group does not represent the values of the UPND or the New Dawn administration.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the thuggery and acts of violence that took place yesterday at the PF Secretariat. Those individuals who descended on the premises did so without any instruction, blessing or endorsement from the UPND leadership,” he said.

He said although some of the attackers wore UPND colours, the ruling party had no involvement in the planning or execution of the attack and was equally shocked by the behaviour of the group.

“We distance the President, the party leadership, and the entire Government from any link to the incident. These individuals acted on their own and not in the name of the UPND,” Mweetwa said.

He disclosed that the party had begun internal checks to trace those who participated in the attack, but emphasised that the primary responsibility lies with the police, who must now act with urgency.

“The police must swiftly bring out the true identities of the perpetrators and their ring leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, and ensure they face the full wrath of the law. The nation expects law enforcement to do its job without delay,” he said.

Mweetwa warned that the New Dawn administration will not tolerate any return to political violence or cadre-style lawlessness, noting that President Hakainde Hichilema has spent the last four years restoring peace and order in public spaces.

“As we head towards the 2026 general elections, we intend to continue being the torchbearers of peaceful campaigns and national unity. There shall be no return to cadreism of violence under President Hichilema,” he said.

He also urged the police to be more proactive in policing unauthorised processions and reiterated that any public gathering—other than a funeral—must be preceded by official notification to law enforcement.

Mweetwa stressed that the UPND has no interest in the internal disputes currently dividing the PF and cautioned against politicising the incident.

“We have no interest whatsoever in who leads the PF or what is happening inside their party. Those are their internal matters. Our concern is ensuring that peace is maintained in the country,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the gains made in restoring order in markets, bus stations and other public spaces, insisting that Zambia will not slide back into the violent political culture of the past.

Mweetwa concluded by assuring the public that the UPND will fully cooperate with the police investigation and that no one involved in the attack will be shielded.

“Those who want to take Zambia back to the politics of violence are on their own. They will not find protection in this Government,” he said.