By AARON CHIYANZO
SACCORD has condemned the police for ignoring a Presidential directive not to detain people without taking them to court, by holding PF deputy national chairperson, Davis Chama in the cells for more than 48 hours without a charge.
President Hakainde Hichilema directed police never to detain any suspect for more than 48 hours without being charged.
However, it is now five days since Mr Chama and his former security officer, Brian Nyoni were detained on possible charges of attempted murder over political violence that occurred in Mulobezi in 2015.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe said Presidential directives were supposed to be followed to the letter without being overlooked in anyway.
Mr Cheembe said there was no way Presidential directives should be allowed to be disregarded as if there was no one watching.
He appealed to police to settle the anxiety regarding Mr Chama’s prolonged detention.
Mr Cheembe said in an interview that police needed to explain if Mr Chama’s matter was not bailable and why he was being held beyond the required time.
“What we expect is that when there are clear directives, when the President speaks, he should not be overlooked as far as his guidance is concerned.
Meanwhile, Mr Chama who was moved to Sesheke Police Station yesterday is reported to be in dire need of hospital attention.
The health of Mr Chama who has not been well, worsened after travelling a long distance after being moved from Lusaka where he was earlier detained to Livingstone.
He awaits police to conduct scene reconstruction and court appearance.
Mr Chama was Patriotic Front Secretary-General at the time of the alleged crime.
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