JUST IN: Clarification on Incident Reported at Divine Mercy Parish, Ndola
June 17, 2024-Contrary to the reports circulating on Radio Icengelo’s Facebook page under the headline “POLICE STORM NDOLA CATHOLIC CHURCH,” we wish to clarify the facts of the matter. On June 16, 2024, at approximately 14:00 hours, a team of police officers was parked along the road near Divine Mercy Parish Catholic Church in Hillcrest to observe the movement of people in the area.
During this time, a number of church congregants were leaving the church yard, either on foot or in their vehicles. One congregant, who had already exited the church yard and was walking along the road, began to take pictures of the officers and their police vehicle.
The individual was approached by the officers and asked why he was taking the photographs. Initially, he denied doing so, but upon inspection of his phone, a picture of the officers was found. The man, identified as Mr. Kamwale Phiri, aged 66, residing at House Number E3 Rehabilitation Center, Hillcrest, Ndola, was then taken to Hillcrest Police Post for questioning.
At the police post, Mr. Phiri was spoken to and advised accordingly. He expressed regret for his actions, apologized, and assured the officers that he would not repeat such behavior. The photograph was subsequently deleted from his phone, and the phone was returned to him. Mr. Phiri, who is elderly and appeared not be in good health, was then allowed to leave.
We would like to emphasize that at no point did the police “storm” the church, as has been misreported. The officers were merely conducting routine observation duties in the area.
The Zambia Police Service remains committed to maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of all citizens. We urge the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and to verify facts before sharing them.
Rae Hamoonga.
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.
Hakainde, your time is up.
Just see yourself out quietly and close the door behind you.
The courts have cleared ECL to stand in 2026. And he will win the elections by far. You see now what mess you have created?
Just go please.
Some explanations, one cannot help but just laugh. Since when did the police start parking in or in proximity to church premises to check on movements of congregants?And such a large police presence? Did the church ask for police protection during the Mass ?
And Radio Chengelo’s Facebook is an official platform..Is some one telling us that radio Chengelo is telling lies?
It’s very clear the police went to Divine Mercy Catholic Church with a purpose…and they know this and they should just own up… another secret apology in the offing?
The Mingalatoon has completely lost it.
Lol. These morons will never stop to amuse. Such funny nonsense as parked along the road near the church to watch congregant’s movement. Since when?
Let’s assume this bogus story is to be believed, what would be the offence for someone to take pictures of public officials performing their public duties, in public spaces? This is why the US even has body cams for police officers.
Lastly, this is the same Hamoonga who was trying to lie to us that Lusambo bought hungry lion and dumped it near the police and then went away, lol.
This lunacy from the police awe sure. And here I am left wondering that some comments will come here and justify this story.