The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has distanced itself from the arrest of opposition Peoples Party (PP) Interim President Uladi Mussa, saying the Party respect the independence of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

Mussa was arrested on Monday over his direct involvement in issuing of passport to22 Burundians, 16 Rwandese, nine Ugandans and three Tanzanian nationals.

But PP Secretary General Ibrahim Matola described the arrest of Mussa as political witch-hunt by the ruling DPP aimed at silencing critics.

Matola said instead of the ruling DPP concentrating on maize-gate scandal involving the fired Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Dr. George Chaponda, the Party is busy persecuting its opponent.

“Mussa’s arrest is political aiming at diverting the people’s attention from Maize-gate scandal and other challenges rocking the country.

“DPP it’s a Party of professional thieves and crooks,” said Matola.

Reacting to the claims by Matola, DPP spokesperson Francis Kasaila trashed the claims, saying the Party has not in any way interfered with the work of ACB.

He said the investigations on the matter by ACB started in 2015.

“It’s not on for PP to accuse as of having a hand in the arrest of Uladi Mussa. What we know is that investigations on the matter started in 2015 and now the ACB is acting on the findings,” said Kasaila.

Meanwhile Mussa has been released on Police bail.