Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:28:24 +0000
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has described his arrest as politically motivated aimed at shutting up intimidating the entire opposition the country.
Addressing journalists after he was officially arrested at Woodlands Police Station yesterday, Mr. Hichilema said he was not intimidated by President Michael Sata’s action to arrest him for on fake charges.
He said it was now clear that President Sata was an enemy of democracy, adding that he was prepared for any results and action against him.
Earlier Mr. Hichilema refused to be interrogated from the second floor at the Police Force Headquarters, saying the police were given specific instructions to eliminate him and other opposition political leaders.
“I am not going in if you are to interview me from up there. I don’t want to endanger anyone here, there are journalists and my colleagues from other political parties. We have ADD president Mr. Charles Milupi, ZDDM president Edwin Sakala, We have MMD deputy National Chairman Mr. Kabinga Pande so find a place elsewhere for your programme not upstairs.”
Police struggled to have Mr. Hichilema in until they had to create a room at the ground level where they conducted an interview before officially charging and arresting him.
Mr. Hichilema who was calm and composed said that the waste is yet to happen in the nation under the PF government.
And appearing before Chief Resident Magistrate Joshua Banda, Mr. Hichilema pleaded not guilty to one count of publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public contrary to section 67(1) (2) of the penal code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence were that Mr. Hichilema on 11 June 2012 in Lusaka, did orally publish statements in which he said inter alia, “PF had signed an arrangement for the Militia in Sudan to train PF youths. Prepare for trouble,” Do you know what is going on in Darfur? Do you know what is going on in Abyei? Do you know what is going on there? killings!” the statement which are likely to cause fear and alarm to the public.”
Chief Resident Magistrate Banda recorded a plea of not guilty and gave Mr. Hichilema K30 million cash bail with two working sureties in their own recognizance.
The state did not object to the bail application.
The matter has been adjourned to 1st October till 5, 2012 for commencement of trial.
And ADD president Charles Milupi said the PF government would be the shortest lived government because of its way of governance.
“The PF government is annoying everyone in the country, there are so many problems this country is facing and to treat Mr. Hichilema like a common criminal is sad for the nation. No wonder I decided to come here and offer him solidarity to tell him that he is not alone, we are in this together. The PF government is going nowhere,” he said.
