In response to criticism over the state’s handling of arrests and charges against leading members of the opposition, the Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has released a statement castigating Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND), saying that he should not blame the ruling party for the actions taken by prosecutors.
“The PF does not owe Mr Hichilema or any citizen, within or outside its ranks, any protection from the due process of the law. It is incumbent upon all citizens, more especially those in positions of public responsibility such as political party leaders to take responsibility for their public conduct and understand the consequences of their actions,” Kabimba said in a statement issued by party director of media and publicity Chanda Mfula.
Mr. Hichilema was arrested on August 13th, and was initially rumored to be charged with treason, an offense that would allow the state to jail him indefinitely without bail. The charges were later revised to “publishing false information” related to an interview he gave to media discussing the Patriotic Front’s intention to send youth cadres to Sudan for military training. However, none of the media houses who published his statement were charged.
Kabimba stated that the PF could not be held responsible for the actions of other political parties.
“It is highly hypocritical for the UPND and their supporters such as Mr Charles Milupi, Pastor Nevers Mumba and Mr Neo Simutanyi to blame the PF for Mr Hichilema’s actions that have landed him in court. We would have expected these gentlemen to display some level of honour and genuineness by showing appreciation for the manner in which the PF government has steered clear of interfering with the due process of the law,” Kabimba stated.