Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has warned some opposition political parties and NGOs that are planning to protest against load shedding and Bill 10 among other issues that they will face the wrath of the law if they do not adhere to the Public Order Act.
In a statement, Tuesday, Kanganja stated that the police command had received information that some opposition parties and NGOs were planning “illegal protests”.
“We have received information to the effect that some opposition political parties working in collaboration with some Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have planned sporadic illegal protests around the country on the following issues: a. Load shedding, b. Truck drivers conditions of service, c. Bill number 10 amongst other issues. Further, information has revealed that the said groupings have also printed T-Shirts carrying certain messages and are mobilizing musicians and members of the public to protest whilst clad in the said labeled T-shirts.
I therefore warn all of you orchestrating these illegal protests to immediately stop your plans or face the wrath of the Law,” Kanganja warned.
“I am reminding you that the Law on protests is very clear as provided for under the Public Order Act; it is therefore prudent that all those wishing to conduct any such public activity should follow the provisions of the Law. Any conduct to the contrary will attract punitive action from police and no one should complain of the consequences there-of.”
He stated that members of the public would have themselves to blame if they joined such protests.
“I am calling upon members of the public to stay away from such planned activities or they will have themselves to blame. May I reiterate that the Police will not tolerate any public disorder orchestrated by any individual or grouping with a view to disturb public order and peace.
Do not say you were not warned,” warned Kanganja.
5 responses
Is this a police state? Don’t we have the right to protest? Mr Kanganja, the correct interpretation of the POA is that protestors are supposed to “INFORM the Police” not get permission from you! Why shud you threaten pipo for wanting to excercise their right to free speech? You really have politicised the Police Force! If it was PF cadres, you wud have been very silent!!
The Public Order Act has no place in a Constitutional Democracy. The laws of Zambia allows for people to assemble, share ideas, express themselves and petition for redress in the event that there is some wrong with governance. The IG should be reminded that Zambia is signatory and has ratified both UN and AU charters on the rights of people to freedom of assembly and expression. It should be further be pointed out to him that the only institution with the authority to constrain the democratic space of citizens are courts of law and not an agent of the executive whose salary derives from the tax paid by the same people he threatens to club should they choose to enjoy their right to freedom of assembly and expression.
It is is unfortunate that Zambia, a nation that led other nations to democracy, is today degenerating into a pariah state that does no longer use the vocabulary of democracy that has law enforcers who dress and enforce law like rebels from some failed state.
In his wisdom, can the IG advise which is the best way forward? People march in protest to their public office bearers or people resort to lobby international bodies to which Zambia is part to squeeze the government on its abuse of human rights? It has been done before and it has brought down government and it can be done. the choice is for the law enforcers to act with restraint in their duty or preserving public order, which in this case is simply to make sure the marchers do not endanger others. However, if what he means is to brutalise the marchers a la Venus, then that constitutes a crime against humanity, and this time around, people, let us get ready to collect signatures for a petition to the international for a squeeze on a government that is turning the peace haven in SADC into police state where police brutality is the language of the day. The IG should be reminded that the State of Human Rights in Zambia Report clearly states that there is misapplication of the POA in Zambia with 80% of casualties being those not good and they should not worsen the situation before the ink has dried on the report. In the event that this mrch takes place, let the IG make sure that no law enforcer on duty wears a mask for the sake of transparency and accountability and for the good name of the Police Service that has serves Zambia diligently but is frustrated in its noble duty by archaic legislation like the POB 1955.
The dictatorial traits have finally started showing. Why are we not surprised. I am not really sure if our IG has read the law or if he is even able to construe the constitution the way it is supposed to be. It is part of our RIGHTS to protest when we see something wrong just as much as it is our right to access medical care. Sir what you have issued is paramount to threats which is very disappointing considering the fact that you are the one who is supposed to protect and help uphold our rights. Do the right thing because those people you are protecting will not protect you when we remove them from power in 2021. They are trying by any means necessary to hang on to power. But I am sorry to blow your bubbles because it will not work. Hope and Help is on the way
Kanganja should however concentrate on catching criminals not victimising people who have the right to protest…..its their constitutional right…
One day very soon Kangaja will face our wrath!!