DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako has been arrested and is being held at Malava Police Station. The arrest follows a night of alleged harassment and intimidation directed at the candidate and his agents in the lead-up to the ongoing by-election.
The political faction supporting Mr Panyako has raised serious concerns regarding the circumstances of his detention, claiming the arrest is an act of political intimidation.
Prior to his arrest, the candidate’s team alleged that individuals, described as ‘goons’, terrorised the candidate and his agents throughout the night.
The team specifically alleged that the activity took place under the supervision of police officers.
“Goons under police supervision terrorised him the whole night, injured our agents, destroyed property and now they want to intimidate him. We will not allow!”
Several Panyako’s agents were allegedly injured during the incident, and property belonging to the team was reportedly destroyed.
The candidate’s supporters have voiced strong defiance against what they see as a targeted attempt to disrupt the election process and intimidate their candidate. They insist that such actions will not be tolerated.
His arrest occurred just as voting was commencing in the region, focusing attention on the electoral security situation in Malava.
