Tue, 19 Sep 2017 11:03:50 +0000
Dear Editor,
Do we need any more evidence as a nation to know that the Police are the most corrupt institution in the country?
Within the space of two months social media has revealed Police in the most disdainful circumstances of exchanging blows either among themselves or indeed against suspected wrong doers.
Las Sunday the Traffic Police were, as usual at their best patrolling and harassing motorists for bribes in Lusaka. They did not seem bothered by the fact that they were interrupting people who knew what they were after. Our Police have become immune to shame.
This situation has arisen because they have been getting away with everything they do. Nobody has been taken to task. The last time that traffic officers got in trouble was in Chipata where a zealous ACC officer confronted and arrested bribe seeking policemen.
For as long as nothing happens, nothing will happen. The rot will continue and get worse.
What we need is decisive action, similar to what has happened in Zimbabwe where fines on roadside have been banned. All charges must be paid at the station after a ticket is issued for whatever offence has been committed.
We must adopt the same system, but first and foremost the entire traffic section must be dismantled as a matter of priority because it has generated the most anger among Zambians who have been witnessing the unbridled face of corruption.
Those pictures of Police at roadblocks fighting motorists are the worst form of publicity that the Police can ever create for themselves. The soon the top people realise this the better.
Timothy Kachemba
