Human rights body condemns extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, others by Zambia Police

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has condemned the Zambia Police Service for the continued violations of fundamental human rights.

Commission Chairperson, Dr Pamela Sambo, said the continued reports of violations of human rights by the police are extremely worrying and must immediately be stopped.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Sambo stated this included violations of the right to life through extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions and torture of suspects.

She called on the police to always uphold their constitutional obligation of upholding the Bill of Rights as they enforce the law.

“The increasing cases of police officers using live ammunition against defenceless, unarmed and non-violent suspects as well as alleged acts of torturing suspects during arrests and interrogations show a very worrying pattern of human rights violations,” Sambo stated.

She said the Commission was currently investigating several cases of extra-judicial killings, alleged torture, cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of suspects.

Sambo added the Commission was investigating other violations of human rights relating to security of the person.

“These investigations are in line with the Commission’s constitutional mandate and are aimed at preserving life as well as securing remedial measures for suspects and/or family members of affected persons,” she stated.

Sambo appealed to individuals or institutions that may have information or evidence of human rights violations to contact the Commission and report such cases.

She further called on the Inspector General of Police to demonstrate commitment and leadership in condemning and ending police arbitrariness, brutality and other forms of flagrant violation of human rights being perpetrated under his command.

“In this vein, the Commission reiterates its message of willingness to partner with the Zambia Police Service in training and re-training officers in human rights-based policing techniques,” Sambo restated.

She stated that it was the expectation of the Commission that the Police Command would not end up at regretting the grave violations of human rights such as depriving suspects of their right to life.

Sambo called on the police command to also institute thorough investigations to ensure that all the culprits were brought to book in order to end any emerging impunity.

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