Leader of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) in Zambia Sean Tembo has blamed President Hakainde Hichilema on the robbery incident that happened at the house of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

“Thieves” broke into the house of president Lungu yesterday and walked away with two television sets valued at K66,000 which is equivalent to 4.7 million Malawi Kwacha.

In a statement, Tembo said President Hichilema’s failure to provide state security to his predecessor is premised on the deep-rooted hatred, malice and contempt which he habors towards president.

Mr Tembo said even retired Army Commanders are provided with armed soldiers to guard their residences for their entire lives.

The opposition leaders however wondered why so why a retired Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces can’t be entitled to the same.
“As Patriots for Economic Progress, we wish to put it on record that any harm or loss of property that is occasioned on Former President Lungu and his family, because of lack of state security, will be placed squarely on the shoulders of President Hakainde Hichilema,” he said.

“Under the premises, we call upon President Hakainde Hichilema to immediately apologize to his predecessor and his family for his Government’s negligence in failing to provide adequate state security to Former President Lungu. Government should also immediately indemnify and compensate Former President Lungu for the stolen property which includes two television sets.”

Tembo advised the Head of State to use the power which the Zambian people bestowed on him to improve the lives of citizens and not to persecute, humiliate, endanger or belittle his predecessor.

He said the President’s real battle should be against poverty and not against his predecessor.