By AARON CHIYANZO
THOSE who have stolen money from the Zambian people will pay it back, President Hakainde Hichilema has declared.
President Hichilema however urged investigative wings to operate professionally as they work to recover money that was dubiously acquired.
The President said this at State House yesterday during the swearing-in ceremony of Fanwell Siandenge as Deputy Inspector General of Police for Special Duties at State House, Frederick Chilukutu as Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General, Kuyombwa Bwalya as Zambia Correctional Service Deputy Commissioner General in charge of Operations and Wallace Chakawa as Senior Private Secretary at State House.
President Hichilema urged the Police to always act in a professional msnner and enforce law and order within the confines of the law.
“You cannot use tear gas on harmless people anyhow, you should not use live bullets on the people as you carry out your work,” he said.
President Hichilema also called on the Zambia Correctional Service to ensure that correctional facilities countrywide were decongested.
He said having been a “guest” in the correctional facilities, he was aware that the holding capacity of the facilities was not being adhered to and was exposing inmates to inhumane treatment.
“I speak as a former detainee myself. The correctional facilities are not good. A cell meant for 50 people has more than 170 people. At night time, you can’t sleep because your friend’s leg is on your shoulder,” President Hichilema said.
President Hichilema also expressed confidence that Mr. Siandenge would immediately identify the operational challenges that need to be urgently resolved to create a conducive environment for the officers under his charge.
The President described Mr. Siandenge as a seasoned senior police officer.
He also urged his Special Assistant for Press and public relations Anthony Bwalya to facilitate for a radio programme where he would answer to the citizens’ questions and concerns.
