THE BEATING OF A FORMER PF SECRETARY GENERAL IS A TEST OF PRESIDENT HH’S COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW
The beating and public humiliation of the former Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General at the Supreme Court is a test of President Hakainde Hichilema’s government. It will help determine whether the President means what he has repeatedly told the nation.
On many occasions, President Hichilema has publicly told his cadres that when they commit a crime, they are on their own and must face the law. What happened at the Supreme Court today is therefore a matter that every well-meaning Zambian should condemn, regardless of political affiliation.
We all remember that the Patriotic Front, during its time in government, faced widespread criticism over political intolerance and the violence perpetrated by suspected party cadres against political opponents. In 2021, Zambians voted for change amid strong demands for greater freedom, accountability, political tolerance and an end to cadreism and political thuggery.
Zambians rejected cadreism. They rejected political violence. They rejected the idea that belonging to a ruling party gives anyone the licence to intimidate, assault or humiliate others with impunity.
Those principles must not change simply because political power has changed hands. The rule of law must apply equally to everyone, whether one belongs to the ruling party, the opposition or has no political affiliation at all.
President Hichilema must now demonstrate that his pronouncements against political violence are not merely words spoken at rallies or public gatherings. If those responsible for this incident are identified, they must be investigated and held accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of their political connections.
The police must act professionally and impartially. The justice system must protect every citizen, and no political party should be allowed to operate above the law.
We cannot condemn political violence when it is committed by our opponents and remain silent when it involves people perceived to be on our side. Such selective condemnation undermines the very democratic values we claim to defend.
The test of leadership is not how strongly a President condemns violence in public, but whether the law is allowed to take its course when the perpetrators are politically connected to his own camp.
Zambia belongs to all of us. Our democracy must be built on tolerance, respect for human dignity and equal protection under the law—not fear, intimidation or political revenge.
No Zambian deserves to be beaten or publicly humiliated because of their political affiliation or beliefs.
President Hichilema, the nation is watching. Let justice prevail, and let the rule of law speak louder than political allegiance.