By Makokwa Clara Muyendekwa
Do not abuse members of the public during the course of your duties, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, has cautioned police officers.
He said the ministry wants to see officers upholding the rule of law when carrying out their day to day duties.
“Gone are the days when members of the public used to go to Police stations and be abused by officers,” said Mr Mwiimbu
He added that procedural disciplinary measures will be taken on any police officer that transgresses.
Mr Mwiimbu also advised members of the public and political cadres to respect the officers as they discharge their duties.
“We do not except a cadre to disrespect officers as we will not condone anyone disrespecting them because these Officers are not Patriotic Front or United Party for National Development but government officers who deserve respect,” he said.
And Mr Mwiimbu said his office is aware of some police officers who he termed as having transgressed prior and during the past general elections.
He was however quick to mention that the ministry will not dwell in the past but give officers a chance to serve the public right.
Mr Mwiimbu said no officer will be retired in national interest because government wants to have a professional public service delivery.
He advised police officers to serve the public and the President in dignity at all times.
Mr Mwiimbu was speaking in Choma yesterday when he in the company of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Josephs Akafumba paid a courtesy call on Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa.
He explained that the visit was to familiarize themselves with various departments in the province and appreciate the work.
And Southern province minister Cornelius Mweetwa has appealed to Ministry of Home Affairs to address the lack of transportation and accommodation for the police in the province.
He explained that the province is faced with lack of accommodation for some officers and office space.
” If these challenges including those of infrastructure are addressed our officers will even discharge their duties better,” Mr Mweetwa said.
He further said he has been encouraging local councils in various districts and police to try and resolve some challenges through Constituency Development Fund that has been increased.
