HH’s lawyers complain of police harassment, as PF and UPND Cadres clash

Lawyers representing opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema were Monday morning May 5 harassed as they entered the Lusaka Magistrate Court Complex for the case of their client, reports Zambian Eye Correspondent in Lusaka.

And Cadres from UPND and PF today clashed at the Magistrate Court after Mr. Hichilema’s court case hearing adjournment.

The opposition leader’s Lawyers complained of Police harassment to Magistrate Astrida Chulu when the matter came up for hearing where Mr. Hichilema is charged with publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public contrary to section 67 (1) (2) of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

One of the Lawyers Jack Mwimbu told Magistrate Chulu that the defence team were harassed by the State Police when entering the Court premises. He explained that the trauma the defence team went through had disturbed their state of mind and were therefore asking for adjournment.

The legal team from the State prosecuting the case objected to the adjournment saying the matter had dragged for a long time.

But in her ruling, Magistrate Chulu ruled in favour of the defence and adjourned the matter to May 15, 2014.

It was after the adjournment that the cadres from two political parties exchanged biter words before exchanging blows. The PF alleged that the UPND cadres insulted their General Secretary Wynter Kabimba as he was leaving the Courts.

Mr. Kabimba was suppose to testify for the state today.