Inspector General of Police Kakoma has distanced himself from the Presidential motorcade incident in Mongu which led to the arrest of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema for treason, saying Provincial Police Commissioners work independently.

And Kanganja has warned social media abusers saying Chilufya Tayali’s case is a perfect example of how the law will catch up with them.

When the matter came up for plea this morning, Tayali pleaded not guilty to the charge of libel.

Tayali, 42, is alleged to have published on his Facebook page an article stating that Kanganja was covering up his inefficiency to charge Hakainde Hichilema with treason as he was supposed to be an accomplice as he planned to kill President Edgar Lungu or to fix Hichilema for not clearing the way for the Presidential motorcade.

After Tayali denied the charge, Kanganja walked into the courtroom and testified that provincial police commissioners operate independently.

Kanganja said in an event that the President is visiting a province, the Commissioner of Police prepares an ‘operation order’ that is sent to his office for scrutiny and approval.

“Your Honour there is an operation order outlining the duties, who will be in charge, the number of police officers, places to be covered, communication and transport,” Kanganja said.

Kanganja said he was therefore hurt when he read Tayali’s posting adding that it had brought him into hatred, ridicule and contempt as his relationship with the community was no longer the same.

“Due to this article there was an outcry where people asked me to resign,” said Kanganja.

“It was a clear indictment that I am to be charged with treason that’s what the article was about. In other countries I would have been arrested and charged for treason.”

He said he testified that he was still hurt by Tayali’s posting up to now.

“I have no problems with this Chilufya Tayali but I don’t really understand why I should be defamed in this manner,” Kanganja said.

The Inspector General said after he received calls from people about the posting, he requested for a printout from Zicta and reported the case to Kabwata police station.
In cross examination, Tayali asked Kanganja whether he has worked at the Registrar of Societies before and Kanganja replied in the affirmative.

Tayali then asked Kanganja whether or not he was still a police officer when he worked there to which Kanganja also replied in the affirmative.

Tayali asked a few more questions along those lines before telling magistrate Kaoma that he did not feel protected by the court looking at how Kanganja was responding to the questions.

Magistrate Kaoma then assured Tayali that he was protected and guided him to avoid irrelevant questions during cross examination but instead ask questions which could prove Kanganja’s inefficiency.

Tayali applied for an adjournment to enable him gather video and audio recordings which could prove his case.

The matter was adjourned to June 17 for continued cross examination.

And Kanganja warned social media abusers that the law would follow them.

After the adjournment, Kanganja’s aides attempted to bar photographers from filming him but the Inspector General ordered them to let the journalists operate freely.

“Leave them alone. This should serve a warning to all those who are in the habit of abusing social media. The law will take its course,” said Kanganja.