HATEMBOS ABDUCTION

4 UPND OFFICIALS CHARGED

FOUR close associates of UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema have been arrested and charged for allegedly abducting the Hatembo siblings, Pheluna and Milton who are witnesses in a disputed land matter in which Mr Hichilema allegedly fraudulently dispossessed them of their 2, 000-hectare farm in Kalomo.

Two other associates are reportedly on the run.

The Hatembo siblings disappeared on February 17th, 2021 after signing a letter disavowing their intentions to claim their 2000 hectares farm.

Police spokesperson, Esther Katongo confirmed that Ackson Sejani who is a member of the UPND National management committee, mayors for Choma and Mazabuka, Javen Simoloka and Vincent Lilanda respectively, as well as a Choma-based businessman Fines Malambo were formally charged and arrested for abduction contrary to section 253 of cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Ms Katongo further said the four UPND officials suspected of being behind the abduction of Pheluna and Milton Hatembo were still in detention and will appear in court soon.

“They have been formally charged and arrested for abduction contrary to section 253 of cap 87 of the laws of Zambia,” Ms Katongo said

Police have confirmed that the two siblings are witnesses in the case in which UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema fraudulently disposed them of their 2000 hectares farm in Kalomo by fraudulently manipulating records and signatures at the Ministry of Lands.

The four were apprehended and detained last month to in relation to the disappearance of Pheluna and Milton Hatembo of Choma District.