Open letter to the Inspector General of Police
WHAT I witnessed at Lusaka Division headquarters (Central Police) is shocking, one would expect it to be the shining example in terms of how the officers conduct their business, alas, that is not the case.
Sir, the Division has been turned into a debt collection department of the police service. But since they have not been trained as debt collectors, suspects (debtors) are harassed.
From my experience Sir, what is causing all this is the office of the Dcio. He she allows herself/himself to be used by his/her friends, friends relatives and politically connected people and he/she transmits subsequently to dealing officers who latter deny suspect (debtors) the liberties that are provided for by law.
Sir, I was shocked to learn that a police bond to be given, the officers needed to consult a complainant.
And officer friends of the complainant start influencing the dealing officers to punish the suspect to please their friends to an extent of throwing a Covid patient into a cell without thinking of the other inmates’ health or dangers of doing that and also the life of the suspect (debt).
It had to take the officer guarding the jail cell to refuse to allow such a situation. The worst section is the scorpion, Sir.
I know so many people have suffered but don’t have a voice, I had decided to bring it to your attention on their behalf knowing too well that you are personally a professional IG in your dealings and you would not allow the rot at Lusaka division HQ.
The Lusaka Division HQ deputy officer in charge has the duty to ensure that while his officers are enforcing the law, they should not disrespect the liberties of suspects.
She he must learn how officers in charge of financial fraud conduct the business of his department, his men do things professionally without harassing anyone.
At scorpion, the officer in charge is professional but most of his officers do not know their role. Sir, counsel is needed at the DCIOs office to save the integrity of the division.
For now Sir, I will end here. In the next letter, names of unprofessional officers and other evils I saw will be availed.
‘CONCERNED CITIZEN,’ Lusaka.