Police warn FDD, UPND

The Zambia Police has warned opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) and the United Party for National Development (UPND) of stern action if they go ahead to protest on the Copperbelt against the increase in electricity tariffs.

Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner Joyce Kasosa said the protestors would be met with the full force of the law.
The FDD and the UPND in the Copperbelt Province on Sunday said they will mobilise in the region to hold massive protests to express displeasure against Government’s decision to increase electricity tariffs.
But Ms Kasosa warned that men and women in uniform were ever ready to stop activities that may lead to illegalities.
Ms. Kasosa said both FDD and UPND have not informed her office of any political processions, let alone a planned protest.
She said the law was clear that anybody who wanted to carry out public conduct or activity should notify the police.
“Firstly they have not informed the police. They have not done any notification of any event to be carried out on the Copperbelt. And as a citizen they needed to do themselves a favour by following the law. They should not clash with the law,” Ms. Kasosa said.
She said people were free to hold protests but it should be within the law.
On Sunday, the FDD through its provincial chairperson Yotamu Mtayachalo indicated to the nation that his party together with the UPND would mobilize people on the Copperbelt Province to protest against the increase in electricity tariffs among other issues.