WHY ARE ZAMBIAN PASTORS ALLOWING THEIR OWN PASTOR SIMUCHIMBA TO BE BRUTALISED BY GOVT? Although we know that the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) has issued a statement demanding the unconditional release of Pastor Duncan Simuchimba, we believe more needs to be done on this matter. To begin with, as the EFZ itself observed, analysis of the video which Pastor Simuchimba was arrested on, there is no discernible crime he committed. All he did was stand up and speak out on behalf of a group of Chisokone market traders whose stalls were threatened with demolition. Pastor Simuchimba also warned the authorities not to be too quick to deploy armed police and Kitwe City Council Police, because such an approach inflamed passions of people, instead of bringing solutions. His advice was that the issues the authorities wanted to bring to the traders could be discussed amicably. Even his warning was in good faith. He warned that bringing on fingers of armed officers could lead to tragic consequences. Where is the crime in all that. But we have since learnt that, as is the craze currently, Pastor Simuchimba was quickly labeled a Patriotic Front (PF) sympathiser, which aparrently constitutes a crime these days. After that the Cyber Crime Unit of the Zambia Police, which is now virtually a wing of the ruling United and for National Development (UPND). This is the unit fashioning crimes out of expression of opinions critical of the government. And it’s mostly UPND members raising complaints against citizens who criticised the government, especially in online content. These facts we are recounting are well known now, especially through the cases we have published of opposition party leaders, journalists, civil activists and clergymem charged with criminal libel, seditious practices or hate speech (largely against people from the Zambezi region of Zambia). Crimes such as the one for which Pastor Simuchimba has been sent to prison are simply meant to intimidate critics of this government so that its leader, Outgoing Dictator Hakainde Hichilema can do as he pleases without citizens making any negative comment on his conduct of affairs. The UPND sees this as the only guarantee for a second term in office. Thr persecution of Pastor Simuchimba is so blatant that it is shocking that senior clergymen in the country are still silent. For example, Bishop Joseph Kazhila of Chingola is very close to this regime to be able to prevail upon it to exercise food sense or is it that government persecution was only wrong when it was targeted at him. Now that he is cosy with those in power, he has lost all sense of moral outrage over a fellow Pastor suffering injustice. Of course, we do not expect much from such people as Elisha Matambo, Copperbelt Minister, who also dabbles as being a church leader. Such are in their element when brutalising political opponents. Here is a warning for all you clergymen who are quiet while Pastor Simuchimba is being persecuted. This government has already showed willingness to send police to block church services and to raid church offices. Because this is happening to to the Catholic Church and a select few evangelicals like Pastor Simuchimba, the Seventh Day Adventists are quiet, and perhaps even clapping their hands saying "These people are getting what they deserve". The silence of the church in the face of this injustice will emboldened this ruling party and its government. Not too long from now ruling party cadres will be leading police to pluck preachers from their pulpit for any hint of criticism of government. From being gatekeepers of journalism, Zambia Police cybercrime unit will soon be home gatekeepers of sermons and homilies. Since the EFZ has already shown leadership on this matter, it should go a step further and begin knocking on doors and speaking sense to these increasingly wayward politicians currently in charge. This is not time for the church to be silent. John 8:32 "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” #zambianwhistleblower #zwb ©️ Zambian Whistleblower (ZWB).