Maravi

Police warn and caution Hichilema

Police warn and caution Hichilema
By Joseph Mwenda
Fri 15 June 2012, 13:24 CAT

POLICE in Lusaka have recorded a warn and caution statement from UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema for defamation of the President after he likened President Michael Sata to a clueless hyena.

Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela told journalists that a warn and caution statement was also recorded from Hichilema for publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public.

Hichilema had claimed this week that the PF government intends to send youths to Sudan to be trained as militias.

"We have recorded a warn and caution statement from the UPND leader in connection with the following: defamation of the president contrary to section 69 of the Penal Code CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia. The statement is contemptuous of the presidency by likening him to a chimbwi (hyena) with no plan in his governance of the Republic of Zambia," stated Kanjela.

But Hichilema said the move was a sign that the leadership of the country had collapsed.

Hichilema reported himself at the police headquarters around 14:20 hours in the company of other opposition leaders that included ADD president Charles Milupi, Gabriel Namulambe, Mwansa Mbulakulima of MMD and his lawyers.

He was then escorted to the boardroom where he sat on his personal camp chair which he brought along, as he was being interrogated.

About five plain-clothed police officers welcomed Hichilema and conducted a private interview with him.

After about two hours of questioning, Hichilema told journalists that he expected police officers handling his case to act professionally.

"The interview went well. If they act professionally and without interference from other politicians wanting to fix other politicians, then there is nothing to fear," he said.

Earlier, Hichilema said the leadership of the country had collapsed.

Labels: DEFAMATION, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 4:02 PM