Political cops face pruning, warns Kampyongo
POLITICALLY inclined police officers will be pruned from the Zambia Police Service to ensure that the service continues to comprise officers who are professional, uphold ethics and preserve public security at all times, Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has warned.
Mr Kampyongo said in a ministerial statement in Parliament yesterday that the Police Service Commission had since disciplined four police officers for their unprofessional conduct.
He said Government had always condemned involvement of police officers in politics.
“Accordingly, officers who breach the professional and ethical code cannot remain in the Zambia Police Service as allowing politicians in the service could destroy it and undermine the security of the nation,” he said.
Mr Kampyongo told the House that the violent incidents recorded by the police during the January 10 to 12 February, 2019 were most prevalent in Sesheke which accounted for 83 percent of all the cases recorded.
He said in Sesheke and Isoka the violence was driven by people closely associated with the candidates of the opposition UPND, while some supporters of the PF were responsible for the incidents recorded in Mkomba Ward in Lundazi.
Mr Kampyongo said in Isoka, Lundazi and Chililabombwe effective professional and ethical policing prevented isolated incidents of violence from getting out of control.
He said the violence got out of control due to a neglect of duties by those responsible for protection of lives and property and maintenance of law and order, coupled with polarised political climate and fear.