Police command will not shield officers involved in corrupt practices

THE Zambia Police Command has warned that it will not shield any of its officers who will be involved in corrupt practices.

The Command has vowed to bring back sanity and confidence in the police service by ensuring professional conduct is upheld.

Deputy Inspector General of Police for Operations, Milner Muyambango said this yesterday in Chipata when he called on Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri. Mr Muyambango said police officers are being engaged on how they should remain processional in the execution of duty, so that the service rebuilds its reputation that has been dented in the past years.

“We have statutory documents that guide us. So as I go round meeting these officers, I am reminding them of these issues,” he said.

And in his address to police officers Mr Muyambango warned that officers who will be found wanting risk losing their jobs.

“Imagine losing your job and your benefits over a K500 bribe. This does not only affect your family, but the nation as a whole due to the impact corruption has on the economy,” he added.

He also advised police officers against involvement in partisan politics, advising those with political interests to follow the laid down procedures on resigning from the service.

Meanwhile, Mr Phiri reported that he has continued to receive complaints on alleged corrupt dealings by traffic police officers.

Mr Phiri said some traffic police officers have opted to turn their work into a business by getting bribes from motorists. “Even today, I received reports on corruption by police officers. This is why road blocks were suspended, it is because they are not being used for their intended purposes,” he said.

Mr Phiri also called on the police command to ensure there are intensified patrols during the festive season to prevent crimes.