Kampyongo Refuses To Step Down

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has refused to step down amidst mounting controversy over the police killing of two civilians at the arraignment of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema last week.

Responding to calls for his resignation, including from socialist party president Fred M’membe and HH himself, Mr Kampyongo insisted he was appointed to serve the Zambian people and not please politicians. 

He went on to allege that the government had uncovered a scam in which the UPND had hired foreign nationals - dubbed mercenaries - to cause havoc in the run up to the 2021 General Election. 

The home affairs minister failed to provide any details of these so-called mercenaries but insisted that law enforcement agencies would be contracted to round them up and evict them from the country. 

It comes after a difficult week in which the government has been accused of promoting state-sponsored violence by the police.

UPND spokesperson Anthony Bwalya laid the blame for last week’s shooting firmly at the feet of Mr Kampyongo and President Lungu, concluding that police officers were taking orders “of and by an unconscionable PF regime”.