Zambian government has agreed to compensate five United Party for National Development (UNPD) members who were arrested and prosecuted for alleged treason charges in 2017 alongside President Hakainde Hichilema.

However, proceedings relating to the President have been stayed until he vacates office.

This is according to summons for Consent Judgement filed in the Lusaka High Court on April 14, 2022.

The five to be paid damages are Senior Private Secretary to the President, Wallace Chakawa, Mr Hamusonde Hamaleka, Mr Pretorius Haloba, Mr Laston Mulilanduba and Mr Muleya Hachinda.

In this matter, Mr Hichilema (then as opposition leader) and five others, in May of 2021, commenced the action in the Lusaka High Court that it orders the State to pay compensatory damages equivalent in value to monies lost and the property that was looted, damaged and destroyed at his home during what he termed as an unlawful operation to arrest him on charges of treason carried out on April 10 and 11 in 2017.

The State has admitted that it is responsible for paying the five damages for unlawful detention, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment.

-Daily Nation