Inspector General of police Kakoma Kanganja has confirmed at a press breifing today that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has been jointly charged with treason along with five other people.

Kanganja says HH faces Treason, disobeying lawful orders and using insulting language, among other charges.

Jointly charged with HH are Lastone Mulilandumba, Muleya Haachenda, Walace Chakwa, Pretornous Haloba and Hamusonde Hamaleka.

“I would like to inform the nation that we have jointly charged and arrested Mr Hichilema and five others; 1. Treason contrary to section 43 (1) (a) 2.Disobedience to lawful orders contrary to section 127 of the penal code. 3.Disobeying of statutory duty contrary to section 126 of the penal code of the laws of Zambia (rule No. 222 of the High Way Code) And 4. Use of insulting language contrary to section 179 of the penal code,” Kanganja said.

Kanganja said actions by HH were unreasonable, reckless and criminal in nature.

“Therefore, members of the public are being warned that as police, we are not going to watch such kind of behaviour by any person irrespective of their status or political affiliation. We shall ensure that all those that would want to cause unnecessary anarchy are arrested and prosecuted,” Kanganja said.

He explained that police could not charge HH yesterday because one of his lawyers requested that other lawyers should be present when charging the opposition leader, adding that the said lawyers never showed up.

Kanganja said the same lawyer further suggested that HH must be charged today (Wednesday) when all lawyers would be present.

Kanganja further explained that HH would remain in detention until the Director of Public Prosecutions Lillian Siyunyi, decides to take him to court upon studying the docket, which had not yet been submitted to her.

He added that: “12 other UPND members were arrested for obstracting police officers in the due execution of duty which is contrary to section 250 (b) of the penal code”.

Meanwhile, Kanganja said he had received threats to his life and his family members, but stressed that he would not resign because he was not a coward.

“Yes it’s true that there has been threats on my family and the family of three other senior government officials. There has been no political pressure on me, and I do not get instructions from anyone. I cannot resign over unfounded allegations,” said Kanganja.