FRANK TALK

THE candid exchange of views between the Zambia Police Service and Patriotic Front is what should be obtaining in the nation so that all political players could draw lessons from it.

This was when Deputy Inspector-General of Police for Operations Bonny Kapeso met Patriotic Front officials led by Lusaka Province secretary Kennedy Kamba on Tuesday.

Mr Kapeso did not mince his words but was frank, when he warned that Police would not entertain interference from so-called political security wings when it comes to the President’s security.

Mr Kapeso said political cadres have a mistaken belief that they are in charge of security when the President is in public.

Mr Kapeso said that it has become a trend by political party security wings to try and take over the job of the police whenever the President is addressing the public.

He said that there is nothing wrong with political parties to have security wings but that they should not be interfering with the job of the Zambia Police in protecting the President whenever he is in a public gathering.

“The police consider anyone even from the ruling party to be a threat to the President and we are not ready to create two parallel security institutions in the country.

“The Zambia Police is the only security wing mandated to maintain law and order and anything on the contrary meets the wrath of the law,” Mr Kapeso said.

We hope all political parties will take note of this, that while they can pretend to have security committees, they are supposed to toe the line when it comes to enforcing law and order.

Political cadres across the political divide often think they are a law unto themselves especially when they are in their parties” regalia. Often times, they end up making a nuisance of themselves and losing the public’s support.

It is quite obvious that there will be improved relations between the Zambia Police and the PF leadership especially if the deliberations trickle down to the foot soldiers.

We are happy that Mr Kamba reiterated that the leadership of the party will continue to enjoy a cordial relationship with the police because it has respect for the law.

He said the party has been perceived to be law breakers because of some isolated incidents by certain individuals who misbehaved.

Mr Kamba said the party will not be dragged into the mud with members who break the law, adding that as a ruling party, it is supposed to set an example to other political parties.

“None of us must think we are above the law, any party member who comes in conflict with the law such individual must be treated as such because as the ruling party we should set an example,” Mr Kamba said.

We implore the Police command to extend this engagement to other political parties so that all could know where they stand with the law.

They too must have confidence in the Police Service that they will be treated fairly even though they are from the opposition.

Yes, it takes two to “tango” for the opposition too must accord respect to the Police Service for it is not their opponent but a partner in ensuring they go about their political activities in a conducive environment.

We need this appreciation of one another as next year’s general elections draw closer. Meaningless hostility must be discarded for peace to prevail.