IN the police service where many wear their ranks with pride but few pair them with academic excellence, Kabwata Police Station deputy officer in charge has broken that fashion by earning a Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice while still on active duty from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA).
Assistant superintendent Patrick Ngandula, has not only proved that books and badges can go hand in hand but also graduated with a Certificate in Pre Deployment Public Service Training under the theme “Appreciating Service Delivery Ethos and Change Management in Zambia’s Public Service.”
From as early as his training days at Lilayi Police College, Ngandula wanted to be more than just a law enforcer.
He told Kalemba in an interview that he had always wanted to understand the law he upheld so he could serve with both intellect and integrity.
Before his appointment as deputy officer in charge at Kabwata Police, one of the busiest stations in the capital city of business, Ngandula served under the Lusaka Division Headquarters Operations Section, where his leadership and commitment to public service began to shine through.
But Ngandula’s story is not confined to Zambia. In 2015, he was deployed under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where he served as United Nations Police (UNPOL) deputy protection of civilians coordinator.
For three years, he led protection efforts for over 120,000 internally displaced persons in one of the largest UN Protection of Civilians sites in Bentiu, a task that tested both his endurance and humanity.
When his mission ended, his outstanding performance earned him an opportunity reserved for only the most dedicated and high performing officers.
This was a rare recall to UNMISS for another 18 months.
He said his work in South Sudan was a turning point. “Every life we protected reminded me of why I wear the uniform,” he shared.
“It wasn’t just about policing, it was about compassion, sacrifice and duty to humanity.”
Balancing his professional responsibilities with academic pursuit was no easy task. Yet, the deputy officer in charge pressed on, determined to expand his knowledge and contribute more meaningfully to the country’s justice system.
He believes that learning is a lifelong commitment, even for those in uniform.
“Continuous education is key in law enforcement,” he said. “You cannot enforce what you do not understand. The law evolves, and officers must evolve with it.”
“This milestone represents hard work, focus, and the belief that no dream is too big when you stay committed,” he said.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 8, 2025
