Prosecute GBM over hate speech - Lifwekelo
THOSE propagating hate speech and unpalatable language such as Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) should be prosecuted because their action may plunge Zambia into chaos says, former UPND deputy spokesperson, Edwin Lifwekelo. Mr Lifwekelo said there was need to strengthen existing laws which would criminalise hate speech and the use of unpalatable language. He said the police and other law enforcement agencies should not wait for people to make demands for the prosecution of people using divisive language as they were empowered by the law. Mr. Mwamba was recently quoted in one of the tabloid newspapers saying employees in Government who hailed from Luapula Province were the ones responsible for the misappropriation of funds. Mr Lifwekelo said such divisive sentiments had resulted into the murder of about 800, 000 Rwandese in the 1994 genocide. The former UPND leader lashed out at the opposition party leader saying it was raising false alarm that various Government property had been sold to foreign nationals when in fact not. “The UPND does not offer alternatives to the challenges the nation is faced with, in fact it seems they are happy when Zambia is troubled but what kind of leaders are they who say we will offer solutions when we form Government but what if they won’t form Government?,” he said. Mr Lifwekelo said Zambians were not ready to be divided on tribal, religious beliefs or political lines.