29 May, 2017
AFP | Zambian officials barred South Africa's main opposition leader from entering the country Thursday, his party said, claiming he was blocked over his support for an imprisoned Zambian opposition leader.
Government spokesman Amos Chanda told VOA that Maimane's deportation was legitimate because the politician had said he was trying to influence the court to release Hichilema, which he says is contempt of court.
Hichilema allegedly attempted to block Zambian President Edgar Lungu's motorcade, which was travelling on the same road.
He says the treason case against Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema is politically motivated.
Police boarded Mmusi Maimane's flight, and "forcefully prevented" him from entering Zambia, his party said.
Maimane returned to South Africa on Thursday after the failed attempt. He said he has asked the South African authorities to write to the Zambian government seeking an explanation as to why he was denied entry into that country.
He noted that the UPND leader who Mr Maimane wanted to come and offer solidarity with was arrested on an allegation and has not been denied access to justice by fair hearing in the judiciary hence the need for the opposition leader to respect the sovereignty and judicial process of Zambia. "I therefore allow an adjournment for the accused persons to seek judicial review at the High Court", he said.
Maimane has called on the Zambian government to drop the charges against Hichilema.
Of the altercation on Thursday‚ Maimane said Zambian officials came onto the aircraft‚ a South African Airways flight‚ "manhandled us" and refused to allow them access to legal representation.
Van Damme said when Maimane arrived the Zambian Police boarded the aircraft and "aggressively confronted" him.
Zambia's government has not yet commented on the statement by South Africa's main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) that its leader had been expelled.
The planned trip followed a state visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to South Africa in 2014.
It is important to add that a member of the South African diplomatic team from the SA High Commission in Zambia was waiting for us on arrival, as was a delegation of Zambian MPs and the Chief Whip of the Opposition.
Magistrate David Simusamba said the court has no powers over constitutional issues, but can only hear complaints.
