Sat, 22 Jul 2017 10:30:38 +0000
By FLAVIOR CHISHALA KANUNGO
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has issued the preservation of public security regulations, Statutory Instrument no. 55 of 2017.
Justice Minister Given Lubinda disclosed in a statement that the President has issued regulations to be implemented in two separate ways with one directly under the regulation while the second one was until the issued specific orders thereof.
He explained that Government has now effected measures that would give extra powers to the Zambia Police to enable them preserve public security and investigate cases affecting the public in a more conclusive manner.
Mr Lubinda was speaking in his capacity as acting Minister of Home Affairs when he explained that the regulations would allow the police to stop and search vehicles without a warrant and withdraw travel documents.
Other measures include powers to detain suspects for a period exceeding 48 hours with the authority of the magistrate court.
Mr Lubinda said the maximum detention period if the Police satisfied the magistrate would be seven days after which only the President can issue an order.
He said this was in line with the invocation of Article 31 under the threatened state of emergency.
He however said the regulations were not meant to interfere with the freedom and liberties of law abiding citizens but would only be applied to law breakers.
“I want to assure members of the public that they are free to go about their normal business as there is no curfew and no restrictions in movements,” Mr Lubinda said.
Mr Lubinda said the Government has reserved regulations that would require the President to issue specific orders to be implemented under compelling circumstances.
The regulations include closing of premises, blackouts, controlling electricity, impose curfew, restriction orders and detain specific people.
Others include prohibiting certain activities at dwelling places and in public place as well as directing persons to proceed to and remain in any part of Zambia.
Mr Lubinda reiterated that President Edgar Lungu had not issued any specific orders in this regard and that security agencies would not implement any of them.
He said the regulations also provided for procedures for any persons who were aggrieved in addition to the existing procedures in the courts of law.
He urged members of the public to continue with their normal lives and support the security agencies in the preservation of public security.
He also encouraged all citizens to take interest in purchasing a copy of regulations at K40 from Government printers and read it to avoid being misled.
