Tightened national security meant for lawbreakers – UPND

By BARNABAS ZULU GOVERNMENT’S heightened security at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) and other security points across the country is aimed at preventing people under investigation from fleeing the country and escape from accounting for their transgressions, the UPND has said. Mark Simuuwe, the UPND media director says the heightened security measures at the country’s airports and border areas were necessary to ensure that individuals suspected of wrongdoing were brought to justice rather than evading law enforcement. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Simuuwe said the heightened security should not be interpreted as a sign of political instability but as a measure to protect the public. “The reference to security that is heightened there is mostly premised on those that are being investigated, those that are being hunted down…to make sure certain individuals don’t run away,” Mr Simuuwe said. Mr Simuuwe explained that the security measures were intended to prevent certain individuals from escaping before they could face the law. He said government had a responsibility to ensure that suspects did not evade justice, adding that airport security was a normal feature of international travel. “Every airport has security in the world. So that shouldn’t be strange. And security is heightened at every airport,” Mr Simuuwe said. He said the presence of security personnel at the airport should not alarm citizens or discourage tourists from visiting Zambia, arguing that effective security arrangements could reassure travelers. Mr Simuuwe was responding to concerns about the heightened security at the airport amid questions about the country’s political climate following the general elections and the government’s engagements with international organisations. He dismissed suggestions that the security situation reflected instability, arguing that government operations and economic activities were continuing normally. “Zambia remains open to tourists and investors. The security measures are being implemented in the public interest. Law enforcement agencies have a duty to ensure that individuals suspected of offences face the judicial process,” Mr Simuuwe said. However, he said security-related questions beyond the general purpose of the measures could only be adequately addressed by the relevant security personnel.

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