Stay away from politics, security wings warned

GOVERNMENT has warned police officers and other security wings to stay away from partisan politics but work diligently in serving the nation.

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo, said police officers should always endeavour to remain loyal to the government.

He said police officers must stick to their jobs and protect all citizens regardless of their standing in society.

The minister was speaking in a speech read for him by Permanent Secretary in the ministry Mr Masiye Banda when he handed over the Mokambo police post and immigration offices in Mufulira yesterday.

“The political atmosphere in the country is slowly gaining momentum and we expect police officers to work extra hard and maintain law and order before, during and after the elections.

“As stipulated in your standing orders, you are not expected to take part in partisan politics as doing so shall guarantee your quick exit from the service,” he said.

Mr Kampyongo said it became prudently inevitable that infrastructure development was undertaken simultaneously to enhance service delivery as the ministry embarked on the modernisation of departmental operations.

He said the provision of the office block and the police post would help ease the office space shortfalls and further boost the work morale of the officers.

He said Government had done everything possible with limited resources to address most of the ancient challenges which ranged from among others office and accommodation deficit, uniforms and transport.

And Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe said the new facilities would ensure accountability and efficiency during operations.

Mr Nundwe said that the facilities would allow the security wings to work in a calm manner in reducing smuggling and criminal activities.

Earlier, Copperbelt Commissioner of Police Elias Chushi thanked the government for being passionate to ensure that the welfare of officers was improved.

Mr Chushi said the service would always be indebted to Government for the incomparable service rendered within a short period.

And Immigration Director General Denny Lungu said the gesture would not only provide a conducive environment for operations but would also motivate officers to work even harder.

Meanwhile, Mufulira District Commissioner Mike Manda thanked the government for considering to take development to the district an indication he said proved that Mufulira was on the map and thought of.