11 NABBED IN ILLEGAL ARMS BUST
ELEVEN people have been arrested by police for being in possession of offensive weapons contrary to section 85 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia, acting Inspector General of Police Eugene Sibote has said.
Mr Sibote said the suspects were under the command of a Mr Yamikani Zulu, 37, of Kamwala South and were in police custody.
He said the arrest was made following a tip from the public who spotted the group camped in an unfinished building in Lusaka’s Chalala area.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Sibote said the suspects were found with 55 machetes, six Taser guns, 17 walkie talkie radios and 29 boxes containing registration forms for the Leadership Movement Party (LMP) under the leadership of a Mr Richard Silumbwe.
He said seven black berets, 13 black shot buttons and 11 pairs of black combat informs labelled LM were also found at the scene.
Mr Sibote said investigations would continue to establish the motive of the group and if it had blessings from the said party.
“In the interest of peace we are considering making a strong recommendation for the deregistration of organisations such as the Leadership Movement if our investigations establish as matter of fact that this group had the blessing of what is supposed to be a political party,” he said.
Meanwhile Mr Sibote said the police would not condone any reckless and careless statements by any individual that had the potential to threaten the country’s peace.
He said the statement by UPND national youth chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso was tantamount to inciting violence and chaotic scenario in the country and would not be condoned.
“We advise those intending to engage in such illegal activities to rescind their position because as a national organ charged with responsibility of maintaining law and order in our country, we shall not allow activities that are deliberately aimed at causing and breaching the peace and good order of our society,” he said. Mr Sibote has directed all police officers to be on high alert and firmly deal with those who may decide to participate in disorderly activities.