Forum shocked by Police impotence when unruly PF cadres take the law into their hands

The Oasis Forum says it is extremely disturbed, appalled and greatly saddened by the alarming increase in political violence in the run-up towards the August 11 General Election, despite commitments political parties made during the Indaba on political violence held on 29th March,2016
Oasis Forum Chairperson Father Cleophas Lungu in a statement laments that the resolutions of that Indaba have been thrown to the wind and political leaders are once more letting the country down.

Father Phiri says the incidences of political violence are symptomatic of a serious breakdown ofFR LUNGU law and order in the country, and are a threat not only to the holding of free, fair and credible elections, as expected in August 2016, but also to the very existence as a sovereign state which has enjoyed relative peace on the African Continent for over fifty years.
He says the Forum is also deeply concerned over the conduct of the Zambia Police Service who continue to fail to discharge their statutory functions and to act impartially in maintaining law and order.

Father Lungu states that the Forum is deeply shocked by the apparent impotence of the police when the unruly cadres from the ruling party take the law into their hands and commit abominable acts in their face, while applying excessive force when confronting members of the opposition.
He adds that the behaviour of some cadres from the opposition also leaves much to be desired, stating no legal excuse can be given for citizens taking the law into their own hands, even on account of failure by the police to objectively and professionally administer the Public Order Act (POA).
Father Lungu says the Oasis From appeals for calm and maximum restraint from especially the members of the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND).
He says the Oasis Forum is further calling upon leaders across the political divide to show genuine leadership by promoting the rule of law, respect for human rights, good governance and unity in the nation for the benefit of all Zambians.
QFM