HEADS WILL ROLL, KAJOBA WARNS POLICE OFFICERS WHO STILL MOUNT ROAD BLOCKS

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HEADS WILL ROLL, KAJOBA WARNS POLICE OFFICERS WHO STILL MOUNT ROAD BLOCKS

By Kombe Chimpinde Mataka

INSPECTOR General of police Lemmy Kajoba has warned police officers who have continued to mount road blocks of stern action.

Upon being sworn in as Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu banned random road blocks.

But police officers till mount such road blocks in hidden places, including hiding at traffic lights waiting to pounce on motorists who bypass.

Speaking at this year’s Zambia Police Day held at Heroes Stadium, Kajoba said police must uphold high standards of discipline at all times.

‘’Next time when such an instruction is disregarded by some of you who want to do things against the command heads will roll,” he said.

And Kajoba bemoaned a surge in criminal gangs despite efforts made so far to rid communities of such elements.

“My command is seriously concerned with the mushrooming of criminal gangs commonly referred to as junkies. I feel so unhappy because at the time when my command is engaging efforts to restore peace and security in our country sosme people have chosen to mobilise themselves and form gang groups whose aim is to distabilise the good peace and order and security in the country. My command will not take this kindly,” Kajoba warned. “My command has come up with a number of remedial measures aimed at stamping out the issues of gang groups. My command has come up with a task force to carry operations sin affected areas, compounds and townships of Lusaka.”

He disclosed that from November last year over 500 junkies were apprehended for idol disorderly conduct.

Kajoba explained that 234 had been taken to court, the remainder paid admission of guilty fees at police stations, while 34 were still appearing before the courts of law.

“Most of these unruly kids are coming from their homes. I wish to send a timely warning to junkies that your time and days are numbered. The best you can do is quickly disband and avoid such criminal activities,” he said.

He said 200 had been successfully convicted and serving sentences.

Kajoba said police officers sacrifice their lives for the betterment of humanity and to keep government service running.

“As you maybe aware police officers spend little time with their families as their work entails being away from home for long hours, in somme cases for years. They are also deployed in risky-area operations both local and abroad during which some end up losing their precious lives or suffering injuries that result in permanent disfigurement in the line of duty,’’ Kajoba said further. ‘’This level of sacrifice undoubtly deserves commendation and appreciation. “My command is on an ambitious path of further improving the image of the Zambia Police Service through strategies, among others, massive sensitation of olive operation, in-service training discipline in all ranks and file of the Zambia Police Service, swift response to crime scene, conducting lectures in our formations throughout the country. So far these initiatives are yielding positive results.”

He said with the good will exhibited by government to develop infrastructure and procure equipment as well as staff, the service is determined to fight crime.

“Meaningful development cannot be achieved where security is not certain. I do remember one particular post which said and reminded us Police Service is a service full of pride,’’ said Kajoba. ‘’We are reminded that we are part of this reputable service that protects citizens and maintains law and order. Having read that I want to urge our officers and all of us that are celebrating our Police Open Day to be disciplined at all times because discipline in the Zambia Police is our principle and cornestone of the Zambia Police Service.’’

At the same function 1,600 police officers received medals for long service, 78 for meritorious service while 34 were awarded for bravery.

Three were also awarded for distinguished service.

The Open Day that was characterised by a display of skills and equipment by police was held under the theme ‘Police Service and community in partnership to fight crime’.

And Mwimbu announced that a tender to procure over 156 vehicles for police is under way and almost.

‘’I would like to upload the men in unoform who performed their duties in Katete when they were attacked by members of the public. You acted professsionally by ensuring that you did not unleash excessive force. You exposed yourselves to danger in your endeavor to serve the public,’’ said Mwiimbu. ‘’I have no doubt in my mind that in the immediate past under similar circumstances, there would have been a blood bath. I would like to congratulate you for excercisuon professionalism. Police officers must be receptive and responsive to society in order to build public trust and confidence.”

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