By NATION REPORTER
THUGGERY conduct exhibited by political cadres shall not be tolerated by Police and all those that were involved in the UPND fracas in Kitwe should be dealt with accordingly, Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has said.
Mr Kanganja directed police officers to always carry with them policing equipment such as long baton, handcuffs and teargas canisters whenever they were on duty and should use them when situations demand.
He said in a statement that it was disappointing that some members of political parties had taken the restraint and tolerance being exhibited by Police officers for weakness.
“It is evident that some cadres are daring police officers on duty by engaging in public misconduct and in some instances attacking them and one such instance is what transpired on Friday, 12th March, 2021 on the Copperbelt in Kitwe where some cadres took to the streets and charged towards our police officers and began throwing stones at them resulting in some sustaining injuries,” said Mr Kanganja.
Mr Kanganja warned political parties and the general public that assaulting, resisting or willfully obstructing police officers in their due execution of duty was a serious criminal offence punishable by law.
He said the behavior of UPND cadres in Kitwe was a clear indication of schemes aimed at promoting break down in law and order under the guise of politicking.
Mr Kanganja said police officers had a constitutional duty to enforce Laws to safeguard public security and order, and that they should be given space to do their job.
He called on officers to remain firm on the ground and ensure that all forms of lawlessness was eliminated.
Mr Kanganja also advised Political party leaders to tame their members and ensure that they engage in responsible and peaceful politics.
