INSPECTOR General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has cautioned protesting resident doctors against having illegal gatherings, in disregard of recommendations on public health safety.
Kanganja, in a statement issued today by Zambia Police spokesperson Esther Mwaata Katongo, said all those, including resident doctors, with an intention of having public gatherings should abide by public health guidelines.
He said those guidelines have been spelt out by Health experts through Statutory Instruments numbers 21 and 22, as well as the provisions of the public order Act.
“All those intending to conduct public activities should have public health certificates and should notify the police of their intentions,” Kanganja said, as quoted by Katongo.
“Any conduct to the contrary shall not be tolerated by police and those found abrogating the law shall be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
She added that Kanganja has observed that some politicians are deliberately disregarding provisions of the law by conducting political activities outside what the law provides for.
“Other politicians have opted to disregard the advice that regulating officers have given by opting to go ahead with public activities even when advised not to,” he said.
“This also goes to resident doctors who have been gathering illegally going against their own recommendations on public health safety.”
Kanganja has further observed that some political parties are conducting their door-to-door campaigns and processions without notifying the police.
“In as much as Zambia Police acknowledges that we are in an election period, all such activities have to be conducted in an orderly and coordinated manner and within the confines of the law,” Kanganja said.
“Some of the unregulated door-to-door campaign activities and processions have resulted in political cadres clashing, resulting in some sustaining injuries.”
He said the Zambia Police shall not condone misconduct which has potential to instill fear in the public.
“The Inspector General has directed all regulating officers at all levels to be firm on the ground and ensure that law and order prevails at all times,” stated Katongo.
“[He] has warned that all those that would want to disregard the law should do so at their own peril.”
©Kalemba May 30, 2021