‘Discipline erring officers’

CHIEF Justice Irene Mambilima has urged the newly appointed members of the Police Public Complaints Commission (PPCC) to end complaints of police brutality by taking the right action against such officers.

Ms Justice Mambilima said its mandate was to ensure that actions by the police are not excessive and are exercised within the precinct of the law.

She said this when she sworn in five newly appointed members of PPCC yesterday in Lusaka. She said the authority is mandated to ensure that actions by the police are not excessive and are exercised within the precinct of the law.

Ms Justice Mambilima said her office had received complaints of officers breaching human rights such as torture during their work.

"Incidences of extra judicial deaths or injury at the hands of the police without anyone being held responsible should be a thing of the past as you carry out your constitutional mandate,” she said. She called on the members to investigate complaints against police actions in a fair manner to ensure justice is served on both sides of the divide.

“Before making recommendations to the appropriate institutions or authorities ensure that you have exhaustively investigated the matter and given everyone involved an opportunity to be heard,” Ms Justice Mambilima said.

She urged the team to conduct themselves with utmost integrity, professionalism, impartiality and without favour or ill will.

Those appointed to serve on the commission are Ms Gertrude Musyani, the vice chairperson, Mr Maeke Njunju, Ms Chibesasakunda Mumba, Mr Evans Hamaila and Mr Isaac Chilanga.