Fred Mmembe, the president of the SOCIALIST Party, was detained for firing a gun in violation of the law during the Serenje by-election in Central Province.
Together with two other accused Socialist Party members, Dr. Mmembe was detained on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm.
The suspects are accused of assaulting nine United Party for National Development members (UPND).
Authorities have expanded their search for two UPND members who allegedly fled the area after attacking two victims.
According to police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale, the incident happened between 14:00 and 16:30 yesterday.
“Police in Serenje District have arrested Socialist Party president Fred Mmembe for the offence of Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm.Dr Mmembe aged 64 of Rhodes Park in Lusaka has also been charged with the offence of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH) together with two other suspected Socialist Party members,” he said.
He said the two suspected Socialist Party members also sustained injuries during the violence which occurred when the two political parties clashed while conducting their campaigns.
“All the suspects are detained in Police custody waiting to be formally charged while a manhunt has been launched for the suspected UPND members who fled the scene after assaulting the other two victims.We call upon all political parties participating in the by-election in Serenje to exercise maximum restraint in order for the election to be peaceful,” he said.
Mr Mwale added that security has since been beefed up in Serenje District in order to restore and maintain law and order.
