POLICE in Lusaka have arrested UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema’s special assistant for special duties Mubita Nawa and spokesperson Anthony Bwalya for theft and forgery.

According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Esther Mwaata Katongo, Monday, the duo is in custody, yet to be charged with these offences.

“Police in Lusaka have arrested Mubita Christopher Nawa of Balastone Park , Lusaka West and Anthony Bwalya aged 39 of Mbawa, Ngwerere Avenue, Chelstone for the offences of Forgery contrary to section 342 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia, Theft contrary to section 272 of the Penal Code , Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia and Giving False information contrary to section 13 (C) of the National registration Act. They are currently detained in police custody yet to be charged with the subject offences. Detailed information will be given at an appropriate time,” stated Katongo.

And in a brief comment on his Facebook page, Hichilema said he stood by them.

“We stand in total solidarity with our members Anthony Bwalya and Mubita Nawa who have been detained at Lusaka’s Woodlands Police station without any charge laid against them. There are hundreds of our supporters detained without trial in filthy jails all across Zambia, we stand with them too. The PF has shown continued intolerance to dissenting opinions while the corrupt and murderers are left to roam the streets free, because they are politically connected through corruption. This intimidation by the Patriotic Front will only galvanise our youth and ordinary citizens across the Republic to reject the injustices and bigotry of this regime through the ballot in August this year. Enough is enough!” wrote Hichilema.