Sat, 10 Jun 2017 08:39:54 +0000
By CHIKUMBI KATEBE
THE Zambia Correctional Services yesterday moved the treason suspects including opposition leader Hichilema to, Mukobeko Maximum Prison in Kabwe from Lusaka central Prison, Chimbokaila.
And Judiciary Registrar Charles Kafunda says there is nothing strange in moving suspects from one prison to another as long as there is a remand notice from the court.
It was reported that the opposition leader was airlifted from the Zambia Air Force city airport yesterday to the Kabwe facility together with his co-accused Hamusonde Hamaleka, Meleya Hachinda, Mulilanduba Laston, Haloba Pretorius and Chakawa Wallace, which matter was recently committed to the High Court for commencement of trial.
Mr Kafunda said there was nothing wrong if the Prison Service decided to move a suspect from one facility to another for whatever reason, as long as the person remains in custody as prescribed in the remand notice.
He was responding to inquiries on whether there was a Court order over the transfer of treason suspect and UPND president Hakainde Hichilema and five others who were yesterday moved to Mukobeko Maximum Prison.
“The Courts issue a remand notice for all those suspects to be held in custody and it is up to the managers of the facility to decide which facility they are lodged at.
“There is nothing strange about moving suspects from one facility to another by the Prisons Commission and reasons vary among them to help decongest overcrowded prisons, ensure security for the suspect and even to avert disease invasion in case of contagious infections,” he said.
HOWEVER, some members of the UPND have alleged the move was meant to intimidate the incarcerated leader, but that the move would only make the suspects stronger and more popular.
And the party through their Facebook page have expressed shock at the decision to move their leader to a maximum facility associated to death sentence.
