Police quiz, detain Socialist Party leader, M’membe; may be transferred to Serenje to answer charges

Police in Lusaka have arrested and charged Socialist Party leader, Fred M’membe, for the offence of allegedly assaulting and causing bodily harm during a by-election in Serenje District of Central Province.

Party Secretary General, Cosmas Musumali, confirmed the arrest to journalists at Ibex Hill police station.

Musumali described the Police summon and arrest as malicious and harassment of the opposition by the new dawn administration using law enforcement agencies such as the Police.

He disclosed that M’membe would likely be taken to Serenje or Kabwe were he was expected to be detained by the police.

“They have added to the charge which was put on him in Serenje and this extra charge is that that he did assault an individual,” Musumali said.

He said the complainant was a United Party for National Development (UPND) member in Serenje.

Musumali described the complaint as rubbish and total nonsense which should not be entertained because M’membe never left his vehicle during the said incident.

“The charge is malicious, that charge is unacceptable, and is meant to discredit M’membe who they want to transport to Serenje to answer to the charges,” he said.

M’membe appeared for questioning at Lusaka’s Ibex Police Station on Tuesday in connection with discharging a firearm in Serenje District of Central province during a by-election.

The Socialist Party Leader who arrived at the Police Station around 09:55hours was accompanied by his lawyer Simon Mwila and other senior party officials who included Cosmas Musumali and Antonio Mwanza.

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