Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has been arrested and charged by police with treason for allegedly obstructing the motorcade of President Edgar Lungu, the southern African nation’s police chief said on Wednesday.
Hichilema, an economist and wealthy businessman, was detained on Tuesday after an incident involving the motorcade as it passed through Mongu, 500 km (310 miles) west of the capital Lusaka.
“It has been established that the opposition leader disobeyed police orders to clear the way, thereby putting the life of the head of state in danger,” police chief Kakoma Kanganja told reporters.
“We have today jointly charged and arrested Mr Hichilema and five others with treason.”
