5 arrested over violence

POLICE in Monze have arrested five people believed to be part of a group of suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres who allegedly abducted and held hostage civil servants and journalists in Bweengwa recently.
On February 13, 2016, suspected UPND cadres attacked government officials and other people in Bweengwa.
The cadres hid in maize fields, ambushing the people who were returning from a rally that was addressed by President Lungu at Bweengwa Primary School.
Hakabondo Hamukona, John Himalambo, Sulwe Himalambo, a 16-year-old boy and Mukuwa Lweendo, all of Monze, were arrested on Monday.
The suspects appeared before Monze magistrate Jacob Mbolela and pleaded not guilty to charges of malicious damage to property.
Southern Province commissioner of police Goldwin Phiri said in an interview on Monday that the five are still in police custody and they will appear in court on March 11, this year.
“The accused pleaded not guilty and are still remanded in custody although bail has been granted at K10,000 each with working sureties from Government, and trial will commence on March 11, 2016,” Mr Phiri said.
He said Hamukona, 39, John Himalambo, 20, Sulwe Himalambo, 20, the juvenile, and Lwendo, 18, were arrested on Monday for allegedly taking part in the Bweengwa violence in which three police officers were injured and motor vehicles damaged.