Zambia: Opposition leader arrested

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia

Zambian police have arrested opposition leader Nevers Mumba on Saturday after he expressed doubt on the validity of the recent presidential election results.

The head of the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) was taken into custody a day after he directed supporters of the opposition Union Party for National Development (UPND) to fight for their votes allegedly stolen by the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in the Aug. 11 general and presidential elections.

Lawyers representing Mumba told journalists Saturday afternoon that police went to his house with a search warrant reportedly looking for stolen firearms and other offensive weapon.

"Unfortunately, the search ‘drew a blank’ but the police went ahead and detained Dr. Mumba," Jack Mwiimbu told journalists.

"Unless you stand up and fight for your rights you will remain in the opposition,". Mumba told UPND supporters Friday in Lusaka.

According to Mumba, the ruling PF allegedly stole over 300,000 votes from opposition parties to win the presidential election.

Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja issued a statement saying police had detained Mumba for his address regarding the disputed election.

"Mumba has been detained at Woodlands police station,” he said. “He will appear in court after all formalities have been made on Monday."

The Constitutional Court dismissed Monday a challenge to the election of President Edgar Lungu, winner of Aug. 11’s poll.

The petition had challenged the declaration of Lungu as president and was filed by opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) presidential candidate, Hakainde Hichilema.