Off the wire
• SA opposition files urgent application to interdict Molefe from Eskom duties  • Standard Bank funds to improve power access for Namibia, Zimbabwe  • (BRF) China, Britain vow closer cooperation, communication  • (BRF) China willing to deepen all-round cooperation with UN  • (BRF)2nd Ld-Writethru:World leaders oppose all forms of protectionism: Communique  • Experts meet on developing common African migration policy  • (BRF) China enhances international credibility of judicial system  • Int'l technics fair promotes innovations in Serbian market  • Authorities aim for smart Istanbul  • Afghan president signs decree to issue electronic national ID cards  
You are here: 　 Home

Zambia opposition leader acquitted of insulting police officers

Xinhua, May 15, 2017 Adjust font size:

A Zambian court on Monday acquitted the country's leading opposition leader of a charge of insulting police officers who went to arrest him last year.

The court acquitted Hakainde Hichilema after ruling that the prosecution team failed to show proof beyond reasonable doubt that the opposition leader insulted the police officers.

Magistrate Greenwell Malumani said the prosecution team did not conduct thorough investigations on the charges leveled against the opposition leader as evidenced by contradicting statement from witnesses.

The opposition leader was arrested last month when police officers raided his house in Lusaka, the country's capital.

He was later slapped with three charges including use of insulting language, treason and disobedience of lawful orders to give way to Zambian President Edgar Lungu's motorcade.

Last week, the state decided to discontinue the charge of disobedience of lawful orders.

However, the opposition leader and five of his co-accused are still facing a non-bailable charge of treason.

The court is next week expected to rule on whether Hichilema should be taken to a high court for trial. Endit