LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Zambian governing United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres on Wednesday reportedly abducted former Justice Minister Given Lubinda, subjecting him to harassment before police officers intervened to rescue him.
UPND is a major political party in Zambia, currently in power, with Hakainde Hichilema as the current President of Zambia and the party leader.
The incident escalated quickly as the group confronted Lubinda in what appeared to be a politically motivated attack.
Eyewitnesses say the cadres surrounded him, shouting threats and insults while attempting to force him into a vehicle against his will.
The situation grew tense as the harassment intensified, drawing the attention of bystanders who feared the confrontation might turn deadly.
According to witnesses, the cadres accused Lubinda of undermining the ruling party and vowed to “teach him a lesson,” signalling a troubling rise in political intolerance.
Police officers who were alerted to the incident arrived promptly at the scene and managed to disperse the attackers before safely extracting Lubinda from their hold.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed the rescue, noting that the cadres had acted unlawfully and would be pursued for criminal conduct.
In their statement, police condemned the attack and warned that political violence would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The rescue operation brought temporary relief, but it also sparked wider national concern about the growing pattern of political thuggery.
Several political commentators have criticized the incident, describing it as a dangerous reminder of how partisan violence threatens democratic stability.
Opposition figures have also condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate attempt to silence dissenting voices through intimidation.
Citizens across social media expressed outrage, urging authorities to take decisive action against perpetrators regardless of political affiliation.
Many observers have emphasized that political competition must never justify lawlessness, stressing the need for stronger protection of public figures.
Lubinda, though visibly shaken, was safely escorted to an undisclosed location where he is receiving support from colleagues and family members.
The incident has revived debate about Zambia’s political environment, with many calling for urgent reforms to curb cadre violence.
Analysts warn that the normalization of such attacks risks eroding public trust in law enforcement and institutional governance.
Others argue that unless perpetrators face real consequences, political violence will continue to grow and spread unchecked.
As investigations proceed, the public is demanding transparency, accountability, and meaningful action from both the police and the political leadership.
The attack on Lubinda serves as a stark reminder that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where fear replaces dialogue.
It also underscores the urgent need for political leaders to denounce cadre behaviour and promote a culture of peaceful engagement.
Zambia now watches closely as authorities take the next steps, hoping this incident marks a turning point in the fight against politically motivated violence.
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