The Public Protector is saddened by the excessive use of force by the Zambia Police on unarmed civilians which resulted in the death of two people on Wednesday 23rd December 2020 in Lusaka.
The use of firearms on unarmed civilians constitutes a serious violation of human rights.
We, therefore, urge the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the investigation process is expedited so that the truth of what transpired is established and that the culprits are brought to book.
The Public Protector demands that the Police Command ensures that the findings of the investigations are made public, in line with the principles of natural justice.
We further urge the Zambia Police to be professional and adhere to the rule of law as they discharge their duties and protect the general public. We equally appeal to the general public to remain peaceful amidst this charged atmosphere.
The Office of the Public Protector shall also carry out an own-initiative investigation into the decision making processes that resulted in the police using firearms on unarmed civilians.
The Office of Public Protector sends its condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes them God’s comfort during this trying period.
Issued by:
Public Relations Unit
Office of the Public Protector
Someone said its not police but used some word ati assailants
@ Kay Dee Man don’t you think he used “assailants” as in the untrained PF cadres recruited into the police service? Many are sweating among the top police brass and state house! How the police will effectively investigate remains to be seen but what probably they can right away share with the public on how orders are issued assigning officers in the anti riot unit for a particular time! Who grouped the “disperser” unit and armed them? They had to operate under what and whose instructions? Who issued ammo and is there records?
The police seem to lack the skill of handling demonstrations.
it is Nsama Nsama they killed by “following orders”. It is not just a mere prosecutor, it was Nsama Nsama…
And your Edgar and his wife are dead silent.
By now Tayali should be hanging by balls…. He brought about this nonsese.
What’s the name of the public protector? Is it a nameless person? It ought to be a joke of an office.
It’s not only the police ….. PF cader thugs are also maiming and killing people…..
The number of political deaths under lungu is fast approaching 100 and not a single person has been convicted….
We are still waiting for the gassings report…..
But someone yesterday said it was the snipper within the crowds….maybe he should be brought back for questioning on his assertions
These PF people just need to go next year. Some of us are not even UPND but just appalled by the behavior of the PF Police
Public Protector how can there be transparency when these Police chaps have been told to investigate themselves by their commander in Chief.
Police behavior in Zambia very sickening
The Zambia Police Act clearly states who is responsible for arming police officers with live ammunition. the Inspector General of police MUST be fired and arrested for authorising police officers to carry live fire arms to a peaceful demonstration when they have anti-riot gear at their disposal. Kanganja must resign . Bonnie Kapeso too must go.If they cannot police the country without killing innocent citizens they are not fit to be commanders.
After he leaves office we strip immunity and put him on def roll. He must hang
Public protector has blunt teeth. Which public does he protect?
Innocent blood on your hands! Anyway we know what you stand for. It’s true you are Panga Family (P.F), Panga Fighters (P.F), Pathetic Failures(P.F), Paya Family(P.F), Paya Farmer (P.F). That’s your culture, remember 2021 is not far there will be no hiding place for you! Both Kampyongo and Kanganja must go!
Blood on your hands!
Let us await the findings of the investigation. Me I know what transpired but I cannot avail the details as it is very confidential until the police decide to do so. All I will say is that the guilty are always quick to point fingers.
Just must be served in this case..
I AM SHOCKED THAT THERE IS SOMEONE KNOWN AS “PUBLIC PROTECTOR” AND CHEWING TAXPAYERS MONEY!! WHICH PUBLIC DOES HE PROTECT? IN WHICH WAY? IF HE PROTECTS THE ZAMBIAN PUBLIC THEN HE SHOULD URGENTLY PUT MEASURES IN PLACE TO ZAMBIANS FROM THE MERCILESS PF.
It’s cheap and kokai thinking for the UPND to mount a spirited campaign against Tayali and blame him as the cause of the deaths, it’s an indication that Hichilema is guilty of what he’s been accused of. Tayali never killed anybody! Why are they downplaying the role Hichilema played? You can’t sway our thoughts. Soon this emotion will be over and the truth will stand alone
Ulicipuba Ayatollah Khomeini. You too are a murderer. Tayali has just killed two people. They have not fainted but killed. Their families are in mourning as at now. And you have the guts to say your nonsense. Have you even got a heart. Next time it will be you. You murderers who have no sympathy for the suffering Zambians.
Another 5 years of this nonsense is torture, Zambia fast losing its peaceful status thanks to the PF.
The issue is who gave the Police orders to disperse peaceful “protesters ” using live ammunition? Why use live ammunition on unarmed peaceful Civilians who came to the Police H/Q to give moral support to their leader? Surely the Police shouldn’t use live ammunition to control the crowd. We need an Independent Investigator to investigate the brutal Police Shootings of these 2 People. Public Prosecutor Nsama was shot dead in cold blood even though he was not a UPND supporter/Protester. ZPS are violating the Rights of innocent people who accompanied the UPND Leader to the Police H/Q. Kampyongo and Kanganja must be held accountable for these brutal and mindless shootings.
Public protector ???