Detained UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has submitted before Lusaka High Court judge-in charge Getrude Chawamtama that he has been put in detention without a charge after police officers stole colossal sums of money at his house in New Kasama area.

HH has since asked judge Chawamtama to compel the officer in charge at Lilayi Police Training College to take him to court.

In an affidavit filed by one of his Lawyers Keith Mweemba, HH stated that between 21:00 hours and midnight on April 10, 2017, his house was stormed by platoons of of uniformed and non uniformed police and para-military officers.

Mutinta Hichilema showing this reporter a widow that was broken by police during a raid-Picture by Tenson Mkhala
Mutinta Hichilema shows damage caused by police as they searched for HH during the raid – Picture by Tenson Mkhala

“The police officers who unlawfully invaded the house did not only damage the home and property, but also did steal colossal sums of money in Zambian Kwacha, South African Rands and United States Dollars, as well as shoes, speakers, blankets, carpets and food,” HH’s affidavit read in part.

He further complained that he had been arrested over fifteen times since 2006, and that he had been compliant whenever he was summoned to appear before police or the courts of law.

HH added that he had been denied any access to members of his family or political party while in detention at Lilayi Police Training College.

“The applicant was taken to Woodlands Police Station and without explanation, was whisked away to Lilayi Police Training College where, under police guard, he is being held incommunicado,” read the affidavit in part.

On grounds that he was under illegal detention, HH begged that the court grants him Habeas Corpus forthwith, directing the officer in charge at Lilayi to bring him before the courts of law.

Judge Chawamtama is this afternoon, at 14:00hrs expected to hear the matter.