Detained Zambian leader to appear in court over treasonable charges

Zambia’s detained opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema is due to appear in court on treason charges, four months after his arrest for failing to make way for President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade.

He was charged with treason for allegedly putting Lungu’s life in danger.

The case has stoked political tensions in Zambia. A lawyer from Hichilema’s party members told newsmen that they expected the charges to be dropped from Hichilema to walk free.

However, the government has said Hichilema is to be freed under a deal brokered by the Commonwealth secretary general.