Zambian opposition leader called back for questioning

Zambian authorities have called back the country’s opposition leader for investigation, officials said Tuesday. Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata is being investigated after a former member of his party alleged he had paid a priest to destabilise the country.

AFP

The allegation was made by former Patriotic Front secretary general, Edward Mumbi, who has since joined Banda’s Movement for Multiparty Democracy. He said Sata made a 100,000-dollar transfer to Catholic priest Frank Bwalya to campaign against President Rupiah Banda.

Sata failed to provide answers to some questions last week, according to the Drug Enforcement Commission, so it has called him back for more.

Last week, Sata’s supporters protested while Sata was being questioned and police fired tear gas to disperse them.

No formal charges have been brought against him.

Banda defeated Sata in the last presidential election in 2008, winning 41 per cent of the vote, versus Sata's 39 per cent. Both have declared their candidacy for next year's elections.