By Kombe Mataka
POLICE in Mansa have arrested UPND deputy national chairperson for adminstration Stephen Chikota.
In an interview, Chikota confirmed that he was arrested in Chembe where he attempted to gain access to Muombe Mine on Friday, which he claimed was conducting mining activities illegally.
“I am just coming out of cells. I was brutally beaten by police, handcuffed and bundled in a vehicle in which I was transported to Mansa Central Police,” Chikota said. “Police said that my going to protest at Muombe mines had led to a protest by residents of the area and that damage was caused to a bridge and a police vehicle. I have been badly injured and need serious medical attention.”
He said he had been arrested with 23 others, who are still in detention.
“I want the residents of Muombe area to know that if I don’t succumb to the injuries I will continue speaking for them.”
Chikota also confirmed that he has been summoned to appear before the UPND’s national management committee on Monday.
Efforts to get a comment from police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga failed at the time of publication.-The Mast