‘WE WANT JUSTICE’

…  family of slain Magoye man says it is still struggling to come to terms with what has happened, concerned that the Human Rights Commission and church mother bodies have been silent over the matter

THE family of slain campaign activist Steven Sakala has demanded justice following his death during campaign activities in Magoye, saying authorities and stakeholders have remained silent over the incident.

The family alleged that Steven was attacked and killed last week during political campaigns in Magoye after he was suspected of supporting an independent candidate in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Paradius Sakala expressed concern over what he described as a lack of public condemnation from institutions expected to speak against political violence.

Dr Sakala said the family was disappointed that it had not heard statements from the Human Rights Commission, church mother bodies or senior political leaders regarding the incident.

“We are still struggling to come to terms with what has happened. We are not hearing from the Human Rights Commission and the church mother bodies are quiet despite these politically motivated deaths increasing in number,” he said.

Dr Sakala also expressed concern that investigations into the matter appeared to be progressing without adequate communication with relatives despite police announcing the apprehension of suspects.

“We hear that one or two suspects have been apprehended but the family has not been updated on how the investigations are progressing or what processes are taking place,” he said.

The family said it feared the case could suffer the same fate as previous politically-related killings that allegedly never resulted in convictions.

Dr Sakala called on law enforcement agencies and the government to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“We are demanding justice for our family and for all those who have lost their lives through political violence. The perpetrators must be brought to book,” he said.

He also appealed for an end to political violence ahead of the general elections, warning that such incidents could affect any family regardless of political affiliation.

Meanwhile, Dr Sakala thanked traditional leaders in Magoye for supporting the family during the funeral period, particularly the local chief whom he described as having played an active role in consoling the bereaved family and following up developments surrounding the case.

He also questioned a request by investigators for some of the deceased’s clothing shortly before burial, saying the request came after post-mortem examinations and forensic procedures had already been conducted