By OLIVER SAMBOKO
GOVERNMENT must urgently explain the disappearance of the Hatembo siblings who are witnesses to a criminal and civil case against UPND President Hakainde Hichilema accused of fraudulently acquiring a 2,000-hectare farm in Kalomo, the Evangelical Youth Alliance (EYA) has said.
EYA executive director, Moses Lungu said it was irresponsible for government to fail to provide security to the Hatembo siblings and more importantly to fail to explain the integrity of the transaction whose documentation was freely available to the authorities.
Zambians were left wondering whether there was a political witch hunt or if indeed the records indicate the presence of fraud.
The outcome of three legal matters including a criminal investigation and two civil matters rested on the presence of the two witnesses.
Rev Lungu said Government owes the Zambian people a comprehensive statement on how Pheluna and Milton Hatembo have disappeared.
He said the suspected abduction of the siblings was meant to protect UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema, who was clearly a person of interest.
“We demand an explanation from the Government which has the duty to protect citizens and also ensure the integrity of land transaction.
“What is happening is unacceptable. This criminality we are witnessing should not be allowed to continue,” he said.
Rev Lungu demanded that government explains how two citizens with proof that opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema had dispossessed them a 2,000 hectare farm could disappear after a court case dealing with the matter.
He said answers were also needed on what had happened to the fraud case for which Mr Hichilema was summoned resulting in the death of two people, state prosecutor Nsama Nsama and a UPND cadre, Joseph Kaunda.
“What has happened to the case since records are clear, showing fraud was at play? It is irresponsible for government to fail to provide security to citizens who are clearly vulnerable,” said Rev Lungu.
