The Zambian Police has denied allegations that six of its officers were placed on suspension for refusing to block former President Edgar Lungu when he took a tour of Lusaka’s Central Business District.
Lungu had, on Thursday, caused a minor stir when he decided to take a walnut around the Lusaka’s Central Business District which turned into a rowdy scene as traders and residents cheered his name, while others whistled and motorists honked in solidarity as he strolled through the area.
Local media reports that despite the potential risks his presence could have generated, Lungu was warmly welcomed at Lusaka’s biggest trading marketplace, Soweto, as he waved at the traders, and motorist while assessing the cost of living and engaging with traders.
Lungu’s actions however, drew a cautious response from the Zambia Police, who have always warned against organising unlawful assemblies.
On Friday, there were various reports that the police had suspended six officers who failed to prevent the ex-President from embarking on the march due to its potential of causing a breach of public peace.
However, the police, in a statement, said the claims were baseless and misleading.
The statement issued bu Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, said contrary to the allegations, no police officer had been suspended on the said allegations.
“Our investigation has revealed that such an incident did not occur, and therefore, no disciplinary action has been taken against any officers in connection with this matter,” Hamoonga said.
The police spokesman urged the public and media outlets to verify information before disseminating it to avoid causing panic and confusion.
“Even the typo errors can show that the statement was done in a hurry by a person with ill motives with such mistakes as ‘commandi’ instead of Command,” he noted.
He further pointed out that Zambia Police Service had no Public Relations Officer with the name ‘Rea Hamoonga, which was quoted as the person who released the statement.