Pamela abductors still alive and behind bars – ZCS
The Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) would like to refute media reports published by News Diggers in their edition dated 10th March, 2023 purporting that one suspect in the abduction case of Pamela Chisumpa and 12 others has escaped from custody, one was shoot dead and that another fell and sustained a fractured backbone in their attempt to escape.
The Service would like to assure members of the public that all the suspected abductors are safe and still accounted for under our custody contrary to sensational reports from some sections of the media.
Further, members of the public are hereby informed that the Zambia Correctional service has robust strategies aimed at curbing escapes. The Service in line with its strategic objectives has a zero tolerance to escapes and has firm stance on escapes which include stern sanctions on officers who through complacency, negligence or otherwise contribute to security breach. A number of officers who have been found culpable have since been suspended from duty.
On the other hand, the Service has a policy of promotion of Officers who go an extra mile and who through personal commitment, dedication and courage successfully recapture any escapee particularly inmates who have been at large for a long time. This is not withstanding regular aggressive escape routines to recapture any inmate that may have escaped from lawful custody.
In addition, the Service has initiated a whistle blower policy and rewards informers who avail information leading to successful recapture of escapees. In this regard we call upon members of public with information on escapees from many years back to report to the nearest Correctional Center and that a monetary reward of K 5000.00 (Five Thousand Kwacha) will be given to the informers and whistleblowers while protecting their identity.
With the foregoing, the Zambia Correctional Service would like to sound a strong warning to would be escapees, members of the public and individuals with the intention of aiding and or are harboring escapees that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them.
In the same vein the Service is appealing to the media to be mindful when covering stories related to security as they have potential to jeopardize investigations that may be ongoing on and also cause unnecessary alarm. The Service appreciate concerns and support it continues to receive from the media and members of the public and would like to assure them of continued collaboration.
Further, the Zambia Correctional Service under the leadership of Commissioner General Mr. Fredrick Chilukutu wishes to assure members of the public that all inmates are in safe and secure custody.
Original Signed
Gillian Namungala
Superintendent
Public Relations Officer