POLICE in Kitwe yesterday arrested and detained MMD president Nevers Mumba and two of his four accompanying members of Parliament (MPs) for unlawful assembly.

Dr Mumba, who was initially questioned together with Lufwanyama (MP) Anne Chungu, Howard Kunda of Muchinga, Michael Katambo from Masaiti and Kafulafuta parliamentarian James Chishiba at the Kitwe Central Police Station, was later moved to Nkana East Police Station where he was detained together with Mr Kunda and Ms Chungu.

The police, however, released the MPs for Masaiti and Kafulafuta, Mr Katambo and Mr Chishiba, respectively, after questioning.

The MMD leader and the four law makers wanted to address meetings in Lufwanyama and Kalulushi before police intercepted him.

Dr Mumba also intended to meet Chieftainess Shimukunami and Chief Nkana but only managed to meet the latter.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Front (PF) and MMD cadres clashed at Kitwe Central Police Station following the arrest of Dr Mumba and his MPs.

The police interrogated Dr Mumba at Kitwe Central Police Station where the cadres from the two camps clashed before police restrained them.

Copperbelt police chief Mary Tembo confirmed the development but indicated that she would give details later.

Dr Mumba said police intercepted them as they were arriving in Kalulushi from Lufwanyama on Kalengwa Road.

"Police should not be abused and this is intimidation on the part of Government.

"This is aimed at frustrating the opposition by stifling their rights. We are living in a democratic country, so why should police in riot gear intercept us," Dr Mumba complained.

Dr Mumba said he was going to take the matter to the international community.