INSPECTOR General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has cautioned police officers against involving themselves in politics during the course of policing elections, saying all those wishing to do so should resign and hand over the police uniform.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations unit, Sunday, Kanganja said the role of the police was to ensure that law and order prevailed.
He said police officers policing by-elections in Mwansabombwe should be professional in executing their duties.
“Kakoma Kanganja has implored Police officers involved in policing elections in Mwansabombwe Constituency to be professional in executing their duties. Mr Kanganja cautioned officers against involving themselves in politics, saying all those wishing to do so should resign and hand over the Police uniform. He said the role of the Police is to ensure that law and order prevails. “The Head of State has always said that he does not condone political violence. Be diligent and professional as you discharge your duties.” He advised officers involved in policing elections not to take sides but ensure that the law is applied fairly,” read the statement.
And speaking when Kanganja paid a courtesy call on him, Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people said the police presence in the area should not instil fear in the voters but ensure peaceful campaigns and elections.
“Chief Mwata Kazembe said he will not condone any political violence ahead of the forthcoming Parliamentary by- election. The traditional leader says Mwansabombwe is a peaceful constituency which all political parties must respect. He says all political parties taking part in the by-election should conduct only issue based campaigns and not engage in violent activities. He called on the Police deployed in the area to police the by-election slated for 17th September, 2020 to ensure peace prevails before, during and after the by-election. He said police presence in the area should not put fear in voters but instil hope for peaceful campaigns and elections.” read the statement.
