Government security agencies, Saturday morning, surrounded the Palace of Senior Chief Muchinda Kankomba Welala of the Lala people of Serenje District, in Central Province.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka, Kambwili Royal Establishment Chairperson Paul Bupe, who was flanked by Chief Muchinda, said it is unfortunate that Royal Family Members have scampered from the palace for fear of their lives and their current whereabouts are still unknown.
Mr. Bupe said the incident happened while the Chief was visiting Lusaka after an engagement with Central Province Joint Operation Committee (PJOC) held at the Provincial Office in Kabwe.
He said in the PJOC meeting, one of the strongest allegations that came out was that the Chief has been grabbing livestock from the people of Southern Province who settled in his Chiefdom an allegation the Chief and the purported victims have strongly denied.
Mr. Bupe said all this is happening despite the Chief traveling to meet the PJOC in order to amicably resolve all raised allegations against him.
He said it has been further alleged that Chief Muchinda mounted barriers to illegally Levy motorists, allegations that has not been proven to date despite asking police to book all perpetrators.
Mr. Bupe said the barriers to the contrary, were necessitated as a control measure due to rampant reports of mineral thefts at night.
He said it is also sad to note that there are powerful cartels by local and foreigners backed by influential people in society who have been scheming against the Chief with false allegations that the chief segregates non Lalas, however, during interviews of the purported victims it was refuted that these allegations were false.
Mr. Bupe has appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene in this critical matter before the situation degenerates by the terrified subjects.