Zambia’s main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has been charged with treason after allegedly obstructing the presidential motorcade.
Mr Hichilema’s convoy allegedly refused to make way for President Edgar Lungu’s convoy on Sunday, while travelling to a ceremony.
A confrontation erupted between the two convoys, as the president’s motorcade attempted to overtake Mr Hichilema’s.
Neither Mr Hichilema nor his lawyer has commented since he was charged. Police said Mr Hichilema’s convoy endangered the president’s life.
Treason is a non-bailable offence in Zambia, with a minimum jail term of 15 years and a maximum sentence of death.
Mr Hichilema was arrested on Tuesday after armed policemen raided his home in an affluent suburb in the capital, Lusaka.
He accused police of firing tear gas into his home while his wife, Mutinta Hichilema, said they “wanted to kill my husband”.
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