OVER 500 JUNKIES ARRESTED IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS
By Leah Ngoma and Nonhlanhla Phuti
Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba has disclosed that over 500 criminal gang members commonly known as junkies have been arrested from November 2022 to date.
Speaking during the Police Open Day celebrations at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka this morning, Mr Kajoba explains that in Lusaka alone, 234 have been taken to court while 297 paid admission of guilty fines at police stations.
Mr Kajoba says out of the 234 that were taken to court, 200 have been convicted and are currently serving sentences while 34 are still appearing before the courts of law.
The Inspector General of Police who is concerned about the mushrooming of junkies has since warned the culprits that police will deal with them sternly.
At the same event, Home Affairs Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu directed Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba to ensure junkies that have continued to terrorize communities in different parts of the country are brought to book.
Mr Mwiimbu is saddened that residents in various compounds of Lusaka such as Kanyama and Chawama are living in fear due to criminal activities by junkies.
Meanwhile, police officers on the Copperbelt have been warmed against involving themselves in vices such as corruption, abuse of authority and non-observance of human rights and rule of law.
Speaking during the Police Open Day celebrations in Ndola, Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo emphasized on the need to have police officers who are disciplined, committed and dedicated in order to meet client expectations.
And Copperbelt Division Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba says the Zambia Police is on the path of improving the image of Zambia Police Service in the province through developing and implementing strategies that are aimed at improving the service image to enhance public trust and confidence.
PHOENIX NEWS