THE Zambia Police Service have confirmed the arrest of FDD president Edith Nawakwi on a charge Sedition.
The arrest and subsequent charge stems from Nawakwi’s accusation that President Hakainde Hichilema was involved in the disappearance of Petauke Central member of parliament Emmanuel Jayjay Banda.
The independent lawmaker went on missing in the early hours of Saturday.
“Today we wake up to extremely sad news that the state of the Republic of Zambia has abducted a member of Parliament, Honorable Jay Jay Banda it’s a dark day, it’s a dark cloud on our country, on African Freedom Day,” charged in Facebook video.
“This is a day when every Zambian should be celebrating the freedom from colonialism, we are being thrown back to the dark edges by Hakainde Hichilema let there be no mistake, hand over Jay Jay back to his family to the nation and to Parliament. We can not go back to the days,” Nawakwi charged further.
Banda resurfaced yesterday but there has been information as to where he had been. He is currently receiving treatment at the Maina Soko Military Hospital.
In reaction to Nawakwi’s claims Polic have effected ab arrest today.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga who confirmed the arrest of Nawakwi saying she will now have to appear in court to defend her accusations.
“Edith Nawakwi has been detained for the offence of seditious practices contrary to Section 57, 1 (a) and (b) as read with Section 60 (b) and (e) of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia she is currently in police custody,” Hamoonga said.
Hamoonga said the offence of seditious practices is a serious matter as it involves actions intended to incite rebellion against the authority of the state.
He added that the Zambia Police Service is committed to maintaining law and order, and therefore takes all necessary measures to address actions that threaten national security and public order.
“Nawakwi will appear in court soon to face the charges brought against her. We urge the public to remain calm and refrain from making statements that could lead to unrest or speculation. The Zambia Police Service will continue to carry out its duties impartially and with integrity to ensure that justice is served,” said Hamoonga.
Nawakwi becomes the second high profile personality to be charged with sedition in the last 24 hours following the arrest of political commentator Brebner Changala on the same charge.
Changala had also declared that the state had abducted Banda.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba May 28, 2023
