🇿🇲 BRIEFING | UPND Condemns Mwila Assault, Demands Evidence as Ex-PF Chief Calls for Apology
The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has condemned the assault on former Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary-General Davies Mwila at the Supreme Court in Lusaka, challenging opposition officials to substantiate allegations linking the attack to its supporters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the UPND Media Team described the incident as unacceptable and called for an impartial police investigation to identify those responsible.
The statement follows the circulation of video footage showing a confrontation involving Mwila at the Supreme Court premises, reportedly triggered by an exchange over the political slogan “Salt Sana.”
According to eyewitness accounts, Mwila questioned why suspected UPND supporters were chanting the slogan when they allegedly had no food at home, remarks which reportedly provoked the confrontation.
Mwila, known for his provocative political remarks, often delivered in Bemba, has previously attracted attention for his confrontational style of addressing political opponents.
The UPND specifically challenged PF–Pamodzi Alliance youth official Given Gift Chibale, who linked the incident to suspected ruling party cadres, to provide evidence supporting his allegations.
“An allegation does not become a fact simply because it is repeated publicly or attached to the name of a political party,” the statement reads.
The ruling party also indicated its intention to report the matter to police under cybercrime laws, warning against attributing criminal conduct to political organisations without credible evidence.
Meanwhile, Mwila has responded through a video circulating on social media, claiming he knows the individuals who assaulted him and giving them 30 days to apologise to him and the nation.
The incident comes as opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his former presidential running mate, Makebi Zulu, face a treason charge arising from a security investigation following Zambia’s August 2026 general election.
The UPND maintains that political differences cannot justify physical attacks and has urged law enforcement authorities to investigate the assault without political interference.
The People’s Brief | Goran Handya
October 14, 2026