Police reject Patriotic Front request to hold mass rally in Zingalume, Matero

The Zambia Police has prevented the Patriotic Front (PF) from holding its scheduled mass public rally on Muchinga Grounds in Zingalume area in Matero Constituency.

The party had sought prior notice to both the Zambia Police and Lusaka City Council that it was scheduled to hold a mass public rally on Saturday, August 26, 2023 to launch its Strategic Plan for 2023-2026.

Deputy Officer Commanding, Superintendent identified as F. Chilongo in a letter dated August 15, 2023, stated that the Zambia Police would not allow the Patriotic Front to hold the mass rally due to alleged “security concerns”.

PF Member of the Central Committee and Chairperson for Information and Publicity, Raphael Nakacinda, said the action by the Police was illegal and was not supported by the law or the Public Order Act.

He said the party organizers of the mass public rally had given the Zambia Police adequate notice and stated that the denial would not be accepted.

“Zambia is a democratic nation and these dictatorial tendencies being pushed by government must be rejected without fear” Nakacinda said.

He said the party would immediately engage the Police Command to ensure that the mass public rally intended to communicate plans and messages of hope to the members, takes place.

“The PF has advertised that it will hold its first mass public rally in two years,” Nakacinda said.

He said the party was scheduled to hold this event at Muchinga Grounds in Zingalume area in Matero Constituency.

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