Zambian opposition leader held by police after raid on his home

LUSAKA: Zambian police detained opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema yesterday after raiding his home, his spokesperson said, but authorities could not immediately say why he was being questioned.

Hichilema, a wealthy economist known as “HH”, was defeated by President Edgar Lungu in an election in August, which he described as fraudulent.

His attempts to mount a legal challenge have so far been unsuccessful.

“HH is now at Woodlands police station awaiting processes there. They are questioning him now,” Hichilema’s media aide said earlier.

Hichilema’s lawyer, Jack Mwiimbu, said the opposition leader had been moved to Lilayi Police Training School in the capital for questioning.

“We have no idea what they want… we are on our way to Lilayi.

“This is something strange. It has never happened before.”

A spokesman for Hichilema’s United Party for National Development, Charles Kakoma, said police broke down the door to Hichilema’s house in an exclusive suburb of Lusaka and fired tear gas canisters inside.

Police had blocked the access road to the residence but did not say what they were looking for.

Mwiimbu said:”HH is not well because of the tear gas. His wife fainted three times last night because of the tear gas.”

On Sunday, presidential spokesman Amos Chanda said Hichilema had obstructed Lungu’s motorcade, with his motorcade sticking to its lane instead of getting off the road.

Hichilema was granted bail in October after being charged with sedition. – Reuters