INSPECTOR General of Police Graphel Musamba has assured panic-stricken former president Edgar Lungu of safety saying there are no plans to ambush and arrest him at night.
From Monday, Lungu’s supporters have been spreading rumours that there was a plan to ambush his house and arrest him in the middle of the night.
Last evening, Lungu formalised the rumour, taking to his Facebook page where he claimed that he had received “disturbing information” that police were planning to raid his house in the dark of the night.
Lungu requested that police summon him during the day instead of picking him up at night.
In the same article, while declaring his innocence, Lungu urged respect for the office of former president.
Lungu’s fears of arrest stem from a statement he made during a United Kwacha Alliance (UKA)-organised political rally hosted by Dunamis Church in Lusaka and attended by scores of Christian For Lungu.
At the rally, after equating himself to a snake, Lungu declared that his push for change of government may happen even before 2026.
Lungu said he had been president for seven years and was capable of planning.
After government said they were studying Lungu’s statement, the former president panicked and went in overdrive, spreading rumours that police had planned to ambush and arrest in the middle of the night.
But in a statement this afternoon, Musamba said Lungu’s suggestion that police were planning a night raid on him were not true.
“We categorically state that these allegations are unfounded and false. At no point did we have any intention of ambushing Mr. Lungu or any other citizen. Our primary concern is the safety and security of all individuals, including Mr. Lungu. As a former head of state, he is entitled to protection, and our monitoring of his movements is strictly for his own safety,” Musamba stated.
The police boss said police protection of Lungu was standard procedure and would be done with the utmost respect for his privacy and dignity.
Musamba said even if Lungu failed to inform police of his movements, officers will still ensure his protection by monitoring his activities because it was their duty.
“The Police security personnel currently assigned to Mr. Lungu are funded by the government. However, there are situations where these personnel may not suffice in ensuring his safety during all movements. Therefore, additional measures by the police are sometimes necessary to provide adequate protection,” Musamba explained.
“We appeal to the public to understand the role of the police in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all citizens. We ask for your cooperation and to avoid making baseless accusations against the police when it suits particular interests, only to seek police assistance when it becomes convenient,” he added.
Musamba said the Zambia Police Service remaindd committed to its duty to protect and serve the public impartially and professionally.
Kalemba May 23, 2024
