Police denting President’s image

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:41:42 +0000

By AARON CHIYANZO

THE Zambia Police Service has been too overzealous in their operations, thereby denting the image of President Edgar Lungu, People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) president Andyford Banda has observed.

Mr Banda said that the police were too overzealous in their operations such that they have been denting the image of President Lungu in turn.

He explained that the police were giving an impression that it was President Lungu sending them to cause havoc when, in fact, not.

Mr Banda said in an interview with the Daily Nation that some police officers were harassing innocent people and behaving in an unwarranted manner not befitting a law enforcement officer.

He warned that Government would have no one else to blame but themselves if the police were left unchecked.

Mr Banda wondered why the police had arrested UPND officials and some journalists in Mongu for merely holding a Press Briefing at their provincial offices.

“Why should the police arrest people for holding a press briefing? The police are being too overzealous because I know such acts do not have the blessing of President Lungu. But they are definitely denting his image,” he said.

Mr Banda reiterated that the police should be fair in their operations and that Government should keep them in check.

Meanwhile, Mr Banda said that President Lungu was in charge and that opposition parties that lost the 2016 general elections should soldier on.

He said that there was no need to cry over spilt milk as nothing at the moment could be done to change the outcome of the election.

Mr Banda advised Government to ensure that there was peace and stability in the country for the sake of the people.

He, however, insisted that the peace should not be as a result of the police infringing on people’s rights and intimidating innocent people.

Mr Banda reiterated that the police should tone down and desist from behaving in a manner that made the ruling party unpopular.