Minister warns against mob justice
PEDDLING falsehoods on gassing has contributed to the high number of instant mob justice cases against innocent citizens, Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone has said.
Mr Sichone said in as much as there were cases of gassing in the province, falsehoods had contributed to high number of instant mob justice against those suspected to be involved in the vice. “This issue of gassing is there and cases like here in Muchinga are very few but I think what has taken more prominence is falsehoods and these have resulted into people committing crimes through instant mob justice, “Mr Sichone said. He commended the police command in the province for ensuring that the situation was kept under control. Mr Sichone said those peddling falsehoods were responsible for cases of instant mob justice against innocent people and should be dealt with. “The people that are spreading falsehoods are creating anxiety and fear and are responsible for mob justice,” Mr Sichone said. The Minister said a number of people had become victims of instant mob justice because of mere speculation. Mr Sichone noted that falsehoods and alarming statements could cause serious security challenges for the country if left unchecked. “The thing has three faces, one is the reality, there is gassing and we need to get to the bottom of this. The other aspect of falsehoods and the political aspect that should not be ignored,” The Minister said. He cited the case of a UPND official in Mafinga who issued a statement at the funeral that gassers were in the area, thereby creating false alarm. Mr Sichone further noted that those arrested in Nakonde in connection with gassing instigated mob justice were UPND members. He said it was unfortunate that criminal elements had taken advantage of the situation to infuriate people against the Government. And Home affairs minister Stephen Kampyongo who was in Muchinga to check on the security situation, warned that police officers were working tirelessly to ensure that culprits were brought to book. Mr Kampyongo said Government was providing leadership on the matter and was hopeful that the situation would normalise.