North West UPND13 cadres march for HH

By JACK MAPAPAYI

SUPPORTERS of the United Party for National Development (UPND) yesterday marched from Kyawama market to the town centre in Solwezi after their leader Hakainde Hichilema was acquitted of treason.

This was after the Director of Public Prosecutions entered entered a nolle prosequi.

The supporters sung songs of victory expressing the joy at having their leader back after being incarcerated for about four months for treason.

UPND provincial information and publicity secretary Adam Sapezo told the Daily Nation in an interview the prosecution had failed to establish a strong case in order to continue with the treason case.

Mr Sapezo said allegations by the State that the UPND leader wanted to overthrow the government were unfounded and that is why a nolle had been entered.

He said it was unfair for the state to arrest and detain the UPND leader for a long time for no apparent reason.

"So, such political detentions should come to an end forthwith not only for HH but other political competitors, Mr Sapezo said.

He said opposition political parties are just political competitors and not enemies adding that they exist in order to provide checks and balances.

Mr Sapezo appealed to the party members in the province to remain strong and united.

Ikelenge Member of Parliament Elijah Muchima said he was excited with the release of the UPND leader, saying he knew that the treason case against him was going to be dropped.

He said there was need to put political differences aside and embrace one another.