‘Rule of law at play,’ Hichilema denies using the police to harass ex-President Lungu

President Hakainde Hichilema says the raid at former President Edgar Lungu’s Ibex Hill residence is not political harassment but a police matter.

Last week, the police obtained a search warrant and raided Mr. Lungu’s house seeking to search the premises for articles they said were related to a complaint against the former First Lady, Esther Lungu.

On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the Police Command issued a directive to withdraw seven of the 13 police officers attached to the office of the sixth President.

Responding to questions from Journalists upon arrival from the United Kingdom on Friday at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), Hichilema insisted the state is not harassing Mr. Lungu but merely probing a suspected criminal offence allegedly committed by his wife.

The Head of State said during his time in the opposition, he presented himself before the police each time he was summoned and respected the summons because he knew he was innocent.

Read More: Developing Story: Police storm ex-President Edgar Lungu’s house purportedly in search of stolen vehicle

“Any citizen who is aggrieved in this territory called Zambia has a right to go before the Police and complain and the Police do not have a choice because they have an obligation to hear that citizen,” Hichilema said.

He said this is the rule of law and justice which the police are following in accordance with their mandate like in the past when opposition leaders have been asked to appear before the police.

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