Govt moves to combat abuse of power by police officers through newly launched charter

The government has launched a service delivery charter for the Police Public Complaints Commission aimed at mitigating abuse of power by police officers.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jacob Mwiimbu, said the commission’s role was to receive complaints from the public against police officers.

This was conveyed in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Joseph Akafumba, during the launch of the delivery charter in Lusaka on Thursday.

Mwiimbu pointed out that in 2023, the Commission received 207 complaints regarding police conduct from members of the public.

“Out of this total, the Commission investigated and tabled 147 cases,” he said.

Mwiimbu further pointed out the importance of prompt action from all institutions working with the Commission to swiftly address recommendations, ensuring that the general public receives real-time feedback.

“The strengthened collaboration will also help the Commission to enhance professionalism in the Zambia Police Service and ensure that the rights of the citizens are upheld,” he stated.

The minister indicated the Commission’s determination to deliver high quality services to members of the public.

“In this regard I wish to urge the Commssion to sensitize the police officers in order to enlighten them on the content of this charter as well as on the need to uphold professionalism in the execution of their duties,” he added.

During the same event, the Commission’s Chairperson, Zunga Siakalima, stated that they had developed the charter to provide a framework for its operations in effectively managing public complaints.

“The charter, therefore, provides steps and measures necessary for the efficient and effective handling complaints against the police,” siakalima added.

He further requested the Ministry to expand the presence of the commssion beyond Lusaka Province.

“The presence of the commission in all provincial centres will enable the commission to efficiently meet the rising trend in public compliants related to police action,” he said.

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