A mob of youths from the United Party for National Development (UPND) closed down Choma’s Debonairs Pizza on Tuesday for not displaying President Hakainde Hichilema’s portrait.

Businessman, who is also Patriotic Front (PF) Member of the Central Committee Kebby Mbewe runs the Debonairs franchise in Choma.

A group of youths accused the former ruling party’s senior official of tearing up a portrait earlier displayed, but the store manager and workers have denied the allegations.

The store manager, only identified as Banda said they have never bought a portrait until Monday after the youths protested.

It is not clear if there is law that requires public places to display the Presidential Portrait, but a Byta FM check into the Penal Code, Local Government Act and Zambian Constitution finds no provision demanding the display of the portrait.

A similar fact-check by the Alliance for Community Action (ACA) in 2018 concluded that no law demands the need for a Presidential Portrait in public places.

Choma Town Clerk, Embassy Chembo could not immediately comment on the matter and promised to issue a comprehensive statement later.

-Zambian Reports-