PF mobilizer murdered in Chongwe

By Ann Zulu

A PATRIOTIC Front (PF) mobilizer who recruited more than 500 UPND defectors to the ruling party this week has been killed in Chongwe.

Mr Paul Longwane, 68, is the second PF supporter to be killed by suspected UPND cadres in similar circumstances in less than two months.

Police said in Lusaka  that they have arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of Mr Longwane, the PF political mobilizer in the Chalimbana area of Chongwe district. 

PF Lusaka Province secretary Stanley Chiumya identified Mr Longwane as a PF mobilisation coordinator for Chalimbana ward, and alleged that he was murdered by suspected UPND cadres.

The body of Mr Longwane was discovered by passers-by near Watergreen farm in Chongwe.

Police deputy spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the incident to this reporter.

He disclosed that the incident occurred around 17:30hrs on Monday and that his killers went away with Mr Longwane’s Toyota Corolla, vehicle registration number ABK 7892, which was later recovered in the night by police officers in Lusaka.

He said police had so far arrested four suspects in connection with the murder.

Mr. Hamoonga said that the deceased suffered a “significant injury” on the chest and that his body was lying in Chongwe hospital awaiting post-mortem.

“I can confirm that we have arrested four people in relation to the murder of a 68-year-old man who has been only identified as Longwane of Chongwe.

“Longwane’s body was found by passers-by and the matter was reported to the police on Tuesday. The deceased sustained a deep injury on the chest and we suspect that he was stabbed with a knife,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

Mr. Chiumya described the murder as barbaric, urging the police to ensure that all the people responsible were hunted down and brought to book.

He described Mr Longwane as having been an excellent party mobiliser, stressing that he had mobilised over 500 people who defected from the UPND in his area a few days before he met his fate.

“We are saddened that our member was murdered in such a manner by suspected UPND cadres. Mr. Longwane was our mobilisation coordinator for Chalimbana ward in Chongwe and a few days ago he brought in 500 to 600 supporters who defected from UPND to join PF.

“We know that the UPND were not happy and they were hunting for this man until he met his fate. We know the people who are behind all this and the law will soon catch up with them,” Mr. Chiumya said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chiumya called on PF members in Chongwe to be calm and obey President Edgar Lungu’s directive to remain peaceful.

“As PF, we are calling on our members in Chongwe not to pay back using blood because the President is on record emphasising the need for peace. So we want to restrain our people from reacting as a result of this incident. Let the law take its course,” he said.