Photo: Bright Mukwasa/RNW

File photo. Trial would take place from October 1 to October 5, 2012.

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Secretary-General, Wynter Kabimba says his party should not be misconstrued to have had a hand in the arrest of UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Kabimba said the ruling party believes in the independence of law enforcement agencies.

He said the PF believed in the rule of law and that it would ensure that it continued allowing the independence of law enforcement agencies and other public institutions.

Mr Kabimba said this in a statement issued by PF Media and Publicity Director, Chanda Mfula.

He said various agencies and institutions in the country were now enjoying high levels of independence which were denied under the MMD reign.

The Secretary-General made the comment in the wake of sentiments by Mr Hichilema and other opposition party leaders that his (Mr Hichilema) arrest on Monday was not justified.

"The party or Government cannot be held responsible for the actions of other political parties and therefore should not be blamed for the circumstances in which Mr Hichilema finds himself following his arrest by the police.

"The PF, therefore, wants to remind the UPND and their cheerleaders not to expect the ruling party to intercede for them whenever they are suspected to have broken the law," he said.

Mr Kabimba said it was hypocritical of the UPND and their supporters such as Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) leader, Charles Milupi and MMD's Nevers Mumba to blame the PF for Mr Hichilema's actions that have landed him in court.

Mr Hichilema was on Monday arrested and charged with publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public.

He denied the charge and was released on a K30 million cash bail.