POLICE in Lusaka have apprehended Sesheke UPND member of parliament Romeo Kang’ombe and transported him to Mpika where he is to appear for questioning.

Kang’ombe is a suspect in a case where some UPND officials allegedly abducted two police officers and five civil servants when their party leader, Hakainde Hichilema, visited the area a week ago.

Zambia Police spokesperson Esther Katongo said the force had factored in safety concerns and decided to take up the responsibility of transporting the Sesheke law maker “for his own safety”.

“He came to headquarters for him to be accompanied by police officers for reasons of his safety,” said Katongo.

At a media briefing last week, Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo said Kang’ombe was in the vehicle where two police officers and five civil servants were bundled after being abducted.

“The occupants of the vehicle on which the two officers were bundled included the member of parliament for Sesheke constituency, honourable Romeo Kangombe. So dear colleagues, besides the two officers, five other people including two civil servants, an agricultural extension officer, a veterinary officer and three community members who stood by the road side were also attacked by this militia group and they sustained serious injuries and multiple deep cuts. In addition, the seven casualties recorded, the UPND militia group also stole properties which included a Lenovo laptop, a wallet, a shaving machine, cell phones and cash money amounting to K2,400. All the stolen items were valued at approximately K10,000. Furthermore, one residential house had the spare bedroom and kitchen window glass panes deliberately damaged. This damage of the residential house is yet to be ascertained,” said Kampyongo.

“Government shall not entertain any form of violence any longer and whoever shall be found perpetrating political violence shall be dealt with in accordance with the law and regardless of political affiliation. Any form of violence is a criminal act that all political should condemn at all costs. Let me also take this opportunity to also warn political party leaders who are professing bloodshed during the 2021 general elections, government shall not take kindly such leaders who are bent on inculcating fear and alarm in the general citizenry. General elections are not a new phenomenon to Zambians who have always endeavored to remain peaceful after every election.”