Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja says neither the State nor the accused persons have won the treason case as the matter has been discontinued in public interest.

In a statement today, Kanganja warned people against conducting themselves in a manner that could cause a breach of peace.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has entered a Nolle Prosequi in a matter in which the United Party for National Development (UPND) leader, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and Five others were charged with treason. This has been done in accordance article 180 (4) (c), of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia which states that; ‘The Director of Public Prosecutions may discontinue, at any stage before judgment is delivered, criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by the Director of Public Prosecutions or another person or authority.’ Therefore, neither the State nor the accused persons have won the case as the matter has been discontinued in public interest,” Kanganja said.

“We call upon all peace loving Zambians to observe the law and exercise restraint from all engagements that would lead to breaching of law and order. Whoever, would misconduct himself or herself in a manner likely to breach the public peace which this country treasures the most, would be arrested and charged accordingly. All peace loving Zambians are urged to exhibit the spirit of harmony in the country as this responsibility purely remains on the shoulders of every citizen to embrace the gesture and sustain the peace that has prevailed for a long time now.”

He said he had instructed his officers to bring to book all those who would compromise the security of the nation.

“The Zambia Police Service has the mandate to maintain law and order during and after this period; thus, I have directed Police Officers countrywide to strictly enforce the law and bring to book any form of misconduct that would compromise the security of the nation,” said Kanganja.