By ALEX NJOVU
INSPECTOR General of police Francis Kabonde has directed police officers not to grant bond to individuals who will be arrested for electoral violence ahead of the elections.
And Police have warned Centre for Policy Dialogue director Neo Simutanyi against issuing alarming statements that the country will experience violence if the opposition loses the elections.
Mr Kabonde yesterday warned that the police will arrest individuals engaging in violence ahead of the polls.
“Enough is enough; the few cases of violence which have been reported to the police seem to suggest that our efforts to persuade some people to refrain from acts of violence are not being taken seriously.
“With immediate effect, anyone arrested for electoral violence-related cases should not be released on police bond but should instead be taken to court where prosecutors should challenge their bail application,” he said.
Mr Kabonde was speaking during a consultative meeting with various political parties at Moba Hotel in Kitwe yesterday.
He pledged that the police will continue taking on board all concerns raised by the political stakeholders but that this should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness.
“I direct all police provincial commanders and their officers-in-charge to conduct extensive foot patrols in all townships, shopping complexes and other residential areas to arrest anyone committing or about to commit violence,” Mr Kabonde said.
He advised police officers to encourage members of the conflict management committees to expeditiously deal with conflicts before they degenerate into violence.
Mr Kabonde directed provincial commanders to immediately summon all traders selling alcohol to street vendors whom he said are accused of contributing to violence.
“Ensure that bars open within the stipulated time, from 10:00 hours to 22: 30 hours. Summon all bar owners and warn them, charge those who will not comply and recommend the withdrawal or revocation of their licences. Further, you must arrest those operating illegally,” Mr Kabonde said.
Mr Kabonde directed the police to closely monitor the activities of local leaders in maintaining law and order in communities.
“Politicians must assist the police to maintain law and order and encourage their members to report cases of violence to police stations and not the media,” Mr Kabonde said.
He warned that the police will arrest everyone involved in violence regardless of political affiliation.
Northmead Pentecostal Assemblies of God Bishop Joshua Banda called for dialogue in resolving disputes in the communities.
Bishop Banda said dialogue is key to resolving misunderstandings.
On Dr Simutanyi, Mr Kabonde said learned people know the procedure for stakeholders to follow if they are not happy with the election results.
“It is not good to incite people because we know the procedure of dealing with election grievances. We should be careful with the statements we are issuing,” Mr Kabonde said.
He said the police will not allow any form of violence in the country. Mr Kabonde said inciting people to act violently will not benefit anyone because Zambians only have one country.
And the Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) says no one should anticipate violence after the elections and anyone planning to engage in the vice will not succeed.
SACCORD information officer Obby Chibuluma said Dr Simutanyi should not incite members of the public but guide them on what to do if they are not happy with the result.
Mr Chibuluma said despite Dr Simutanyi’s statement being a mere prediction, it is important to take into account the situation on the ground.
He reiterated the call on political parties to sensitise their members to avoid violence at all costs.
“Violence will not happen because no one is anticipating it after the elections,” Mr Chibuluma said.
Dr Simutanyi was quoted on Hot FM radio on Monday, saying it is likely that there will be violence if the opposition loses the elections.
Meanwhile, TEDDY KUYELA reports that the Zambia Police Service has cautioned the public from making statements likely to breach peace ahead of the elections.
Commissioner of Police Graphael Musamba said the police will not allow anyone to alarm the nation by spreading false information that this year’s general elections will be marred by violence.
Mr Musamba said this yesterday during the launch of the Zambia Reconstruction Organisation (ZAMRO) nationwide election monitoring peace crusade and training of trainers programme at Lusaka’s showgrounds.
He said the Zambia Police is concerned about false information that the elections will be characterised by violence and will not hesitate to arrest people spreading false information which can cause civil unrest in the country.
“Zambians should embrace unity of purpose and downplay messages indicating that this year’s elections will be characterised by violence.
“Negative statements can cause civil unrest. They should not be allowed,” Mr Musamba said.
He said the Zambia Police Service is working round the clock to ensure that there is peace and unity in the country before, during and after this year’s elections.
Mr Musamba said peace is cardinal both for democracy to flourish and for the economic development of the country.
“Zambia has continued to shine as a role model on the African continent because of the peace and political stability she is enjoying.
“Some countries have continued to suffer untold sufferings because of some few selfish individuals and this is what we will not allow as Zambia Police Service and we will ensure that we provide the Zambian people with the necessary security they want before, during and after the elections,” he said.
He also said police have identified areas that are problematic in the country and that it will deploy adequate security personnel to ensure that people in those areas do not resort to engage in acts of violence after the elections.
At the same function, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) deputy director for voter education Catherine Mubita appealed to all electoral stakeholders to play a pivotal role in ensuring that this month’s elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere.
Ms Mubita said even if the electoral body has put in place all the necessary logistics, the elections can only be peaceful if there are concerted efforts from all electoral stakeholders.
ZAMRO executive director Edward Nsama pledged support to the electoral process by promoting democracy and good governance during campaigns.
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