INSPECTOR General of Police Kakoma Kanganja says all the political cadres involved in the attack on his officers in Kitwe on Youth Day will be dealt with accordingly.

And Kanganja has urged police officers to always carry policing equipment such as teargas canisters and long buttons whenever they are on duty to use when the need arises.

In a statement, Sunday, Kanganja said it was disappointing that political party members had taken the tolerance being exhibited by police officers for a weakness.

“It is quite disappointing that some members of political parties have taken the restraint and tolerance being exhibited by police officers for weakness. It is evident that some cadres are daring police officers on duty by engaging in public misconduct and in some instances attacking them and one such instance is what transpired on Friday, 12th March, 2021 on the Copperbelt in Kitwe where some cadres took to the streets and charged towards our police officers and began throwing stones at them resulting in some sustaining injuries,” Kanganja stated.

“I am reminding political parties and the general public at large that assaulting, resisting or wilfully obstructing police officers in their due execution of duty is a serious criminal offence punishable by law. What happened in Kitwe was a clear indication of schemes aimed at promoting breakdown in law and order under the guise of politicking which we shall not take lightly. Police officers have a constitutional duty to enforce Laws to safeguard public security and order, therefore, they should be given space to do their job.”

And Kanganja urged police to be alert and carry policing equipment such as teargas canisters whenever they were on duty.

“Thuggery conduct such as the one exhibited by political cadres in Kitwe shall not be tolerated by my command and I want all those that were involved in the fracas to be dealt with accordingly. I further call on officers to remain firm on the ground and ensure that all forms of lawlessness is immediately thwarted by bringing to book all offenders. Police officers are reminded to always carry with them policing equipment which government has procured for them such as long button, handcuffs and teargas canisters whenever they are on duty and should use them when situations demand,” said Kanganja.

“I am advising Political party leaders to tame their members and ensure that they engage in responsible and peaceful politics as stipulated in Article 60 (3) (b) of the Constitution as opposed to the exhibited thuggery behaviour. The Zambia Police will not tolerate anyone that would deliberately disregard provisions of the law under the guise of politics and people should not complain of intimidation when officers react. Those that would be found wanting would be dealt with firmly within the confines of the law. You are forewarned.”