President Drops Out Of Treason Case, Will Pursue After Leaving Office

Back in April 2017, it is hard to forget, the then opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was detained for allegedly blocking President Lungu’s motorcade on main road. This was seen as “treason” in the eyes of the law.

Today, however, President Hichilema has urged the Lusaka High Court to stop proceedings and dismiss him from the lawsuit in which he and five others sued the state in 2017 for wrongful prosecution for treason.

Indeed, according to the President’s lawyer, Zevfyanji Sinkala of ZS Legal Practitioners, as Hakainde Hichilema is now the President, he is no longer allowed to peruse to action against the State. 

Demonstrating his patience, President Hichilema has stated that he will continue the prosecution only after he has finished his tenure in office.

Meanwhile, Sinkala has emphasised that no harm would be done to the State, but that the interests of justice will be served. 

In this case, President Hichilema, Hamusonde Hamaleka, an accountant, farmers Lason Mulilanduba and Prestorious Haloba, and merchants Wallace Chakawa and Muleya Hachonda sued the State for wrongful prosecution. 

President Hichilema is also seeking exemplary and compensating damages in the amount of money lost and items damaged at his home, among other things.