Thu, 29 Jun 2017 13:25:38 +0000
By CHARLES MUSONDA
AN unruly UPND cadre was yesterday apprehended by police for conduct likely to cause the breach of peace following a commotion at the Lusaka magistrates’ court complex.
This was when UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema appeared for the case in which he has complained against Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfrida Sumaili for alleged contempt of court. UPND had cadres gathered in multitudes outside the rear entrance of the court complex but they could not enter as police officers manning the gate subjected everyone entering the premises to thorough screening.
With patience running out, the cadres defied police orders for them to keep a distance from the gate and remained adamant.
While waiting for the slightest of chances to be allowed entry, the rowdy cadres continued their altercations with the officers, leading to the commotion at the gate.
Incensed with the police’s action, the cadres attempted to force their way in but the officers reacted by repelling them and in the process the female cadre was apprehended and taken to Ridgeway police post located inside the court complex. As Hichilema and his treason co-accused were being driven back to Lusaka Central prison after adjournment of the contempt case against Reverend Sumaili, the UPND cadres hurled insults at the officers who were running after the police motorcade and called them dogs.
“The officer-in-charge at Ridgeway police post has told me that it was only one female cadre who was apprehended for conduct…” Ms. Katongo said.
In court, Hichilema’s contempt case against Rev. Sumaili failed to take off because some of his lawyers were at the Constitutional Court attending to a case where PF Munali MP Professor Nkandu Luo has appealed the nullification of her election by the Lusaka High Court. The case was adjourned to July 12, 2017 for continued hearing.
