Zambia: Judge frees opposition supporters

By Obrain Mwiinga

Lusaka

The Lusaka High Court Tuesday has acquitted five opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters arrested in connection with the disputed Aug.11, 2016 general election.

The five accused, including former Lusaka Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta who left the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) to join the UPND, were arrested and charged with aggravated robbery on Aug. 14 after they were accused of interception the election material in the capital Lusaka.

Judge Mwape Bowa said there was no evidence to prove the suspects were at the election house illegally.

“Just like any other monitor, the accused had a right to monitor the counting and announcement of the election results. It is also not in dispute that, on the material day, the accused were at the election house for the purpose of monitoring the counting and announcement of election results,” said the judge.

“Since there is no evidence to prove the offense, I have no option but to set the accused free without room for appeal,” he added.

On Monday, Zambian police released six people, including an army officer, arrested in connection with mysterious fires set in several buildings in cities across the country. The suspects spent over a month in custody without charge.

The mysterious fires had started in April shortly after the arrest and charging of main opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema, who is accused of conspiring to overthrow the government of Zambia.

On Aug. 11, 2016, Zambians voted in presidential and legislative elections. President Edgar Lungu was declared victorious in the presidential election but the opposition UPND has contested the results.