Advocacy group accuses police of abusing its mandate in raid of ex-President Lungu’s home

Chapter One Foundation (COF) says it is disappointed with the conduct of the Police during the recent incident in which they raided former President Edgar Lungu’s Ibex residence.

Executive Director, Linda Kasonde, said the actions by the Police did not reflect their mandate as the force used was not proportionate to the legitimate objective to be achieved given the circumstances.

Kasonde in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday said according to Article 18 of the Constitution, everyone is to be treated and regarded as innocent until proven guilty.

She said however the actions at Mr. Lungu’s residence have the ability to cause unrest and may negatively impact the peace that has characterized the country’s democracy thus far.

“The Police have a duty to respect and protect the human rights of all persons and may only use force when strictly necessary and to the extent required by the performance of their duty,” Kasonde said.

She has reminded the Police that in as much as they have the powers to conduct searches, they have a duty to maintain law and order in our society.

“We acknowledge the powers and duties of the Zambia Police Service to conduct searches where there is reasonable suspicion of illegality,” Kasonde said.

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