Press Statement Tuesday 2nd March 2021 alleged abduction of Mr. Tom Silwindi
Issued by
- Zitukule Consortium
- Zambia Progressive Youths
- Positive Action on Human Rights Freedom and Development (PAHRFD),
- Youth Development Oganzization
We the undersigned organizations are deeply disturbed and alarmed by the alleged abduction of Mr. Tom Silwindi which occurred place on Sunday 28 February 2021 at his Choma residence by suspected armed criminal elements in full view of his children and wife.
Mr. Silwindi is a well-known public figure in Choma for his dedication and commitment to social justice especially for the marginalised citizens.
Exactly 10 days ago, Mr. Silwindi was actively involved in defending the human rights of the Hatembo family following their brutal midnight attack by unknown people, reportedly forcing them to appeal the land dispute involving Hakainde Hichilema, the UPND leader in which the courts declared it as statue barred.
Currently, the Hatembo family is still living in fear and hiding in the bush while Mr. Silwindi’s whereabouts remain unknown since his abduction 4 days ago.
We find it ironic that the manner and pattern in which the alleged abduction took place has a lot of similarities to the attack by criminal elements on the Hatembo family which Mr. Silwindi sought to defend.
Secondly, we are deeply concerned with the cold feet by the Zambia Police to expedite the investigation in both cases, giving rise to speculations especially given the political interests and stake in the Hatembo family land issue.
It is therefore our considered view that the abduction of Mr. Silwindi and the midnight raid on the Hatembo family may not be isolated and unrelated incidences.
If this trend is left unchecked and allowed to become a norm, it will soon dent the Zambian human rights record in the eyes of the international community.
We therefore strongly appeal to Authorities especially the Human Rights Commission and the Police Command in Southern Province to take keen interest in the abduction of Mr. Silwindi and bring the criminal elements involved in this to book.
Further, we demand for the immediate release of Mr. Silwindi and full protection of the Hatembo family as it is now clear that the lives of those involved in defending the rights of the Hatembo family are at risk.
