The Zambia Police High Command has with immediate effect suspended the four Matero traffic police officers who were yesterday ambushed by Lusaka Province minister Bowman Lusambo collecting bribes from motorists, pending further investigations.

The four officers namely: Sergeant Bwalya Luban, woman Sergeant Zuze Charity, Constable Chiinga Moses and woman Constable Mukeya Chibeya.

The suspended officers have been directed to immediately hand over all police uniforms and articles.

In a notice issued today, Zambia Police director for administration C Chambwa warned that any police officer violating the financial regulations act would be liable to instant dismissal as provided for by the law.

He stated that it was not the command’s policy to support corrupt activities among police officers.

“Be informed that the Police High Command has with immediate effect directed the suspensions of the following officers of Matero Police Station traffic section, Lusaka Division pending further investigations into the alleged corrupt practices; Sergeant Bwalya Luban, woman Sergeant Zuze Charity, Constable Chiinga Moses and woman Constable Mukeya Chibeya. All the above suspended officers must immediately hand over all police uniforms and articles,” read the notice.

“Note the Police High Command further wishes to state that it is not the command’s policy to support corrupt activities among police officers. Therefore any police officer violating the financial regulations act will be liable to instant dismissal as provided for by the law. Inform the above four concerned officers and all officers under your jurisdictions accordingly.”

Yesterday Lusambo caught four Matero traffic police officers red-handed collecting bribes from motorists at an illegally-mounted road block along Mungwi Road.

Upon noticing the arrival of the Minister, the officers tried to escape and hide K2,200 which they had already collected.

But Lusambo stopped them and asked one female officer, who was holding the money wrapped in a black plastic bag, where she was taking the money and why motorists were not being issued with receipts.

And the officer, who struggled to respond, claimed the receipt book had run out of leafs.

Lusambo, however, said government would sort out all the officers trying to tarnish President Edgar Lungu’s name.

He said Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja would deal with the erring officers.