Thu, 13 Apr 2017 09:06:16 +0000
By CHIKUMBI KATEBE
I CANNOT resign over unfounded allegations in relation to the UPND Mongu saga, says Inspector General (IG) of Police Kakoma Kanganja.
And the IG said those calling for his resignation should not think he was a coward who would run away from the responsibility of the recent Mongu happenings.
Mr Kanganja also said him and his family have been receiving death threats from suspected UPND sympathizers over the arrest and subsequent charge of their leader Hakainde Hichilema with treason.
He said the Police Service was already looking into the events of the Mongu saga in relation to the security operations of police.
He said this during a press briefing to officially announce charges against UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and five others over their interference with the Presidential motorcade along the Mongu-Limulunga Road on Saturday.
Mr Hichilema has been charged with five counts including treason and disobeying traffic rules according to the laws of Zambia.
Details of the charges included treason contrary to section 43(1)(a), disobedience to lawful orders contrary to section 127 of the Penal Code (High Way Code rule No. 222) and using insulting language.
“The dockets of case will be taken to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further dealings.
“Those jointly charged with Mr Hichilema are Lastone Mulilanduba, Muleya Haachenda, Walace Chakwa, Prerornouz Haloba and Hamusonde Hamakale,” Mr Kanganja said.
He said following close analysis of the events of Mongu concerning the obstruction of the Presidential motorcade, police have established that the opposition leader disobeyed police orders to give way to the Head of State in an apparent attempt to put President Edgar Lungu’s life in danger.
He said the actions by the opposition leader were “unreasonable, reckless and criminal. Therefore, members of the public are being warned that as police we are not going to watch such kind of behaviour by any person irrespective of their status or political affiliation”.
He explained that the delay in charging Mr Hichilema was caused by his lawyers who wanted their lead counsel to be present.
And Mr Kanganja has disclosed that 12 UPND members have also been arrested for obstructing police officers in due execution of duty contrary to section 250(b) of the Penal Code.
