Be in full riot gear, Kapeso tells South police

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 10:37:16 +0000

By BENNIE MUNDANDO

ALL police officers in Southern Province must be in riot gear without fail and be ready to confront and neutralise any form of violence in various districts, provincial police commissioner Bonny Kapeso has directed.

In a statement ahead of today’s court appearance of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema after being arrested and charged with treason last week, Mr. Kapeso advised police officers not to take chances but ensure that punitive measures were put in place to maintain law and order.

He said today was a litmus test for the police officers in the province but asked people to stay away from violence for peace to prevail.

“This announcement serves to confirm that tomorrow (today), Tuesday 18th April, 2017, all police officers, in southern province, are hereby directed to be in full riot attire and be ready to confront and neutralize any form of violence in their districts without fail.

“To all members of public who desire to live in peace, am asking them to stay away from violence if they value their lives. Tomorrow is seen as a litmus test for the police in Southern Province. Prevention is better than cure, lest I am blamed that I did not forewarn my brothers and sisters in the province,” Mr. Kapeso said.