SIXTY-EIGHT COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE ACTION RECEIVED BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE, 2024

The Police Public Complaints Commission- PPCC has recorded a total of Sixty- Eight (68) complaints from the general public against police conduct in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting an increase compared to the Forty – Six (46) received in the first quarter of the same year from eight of the ten Provinces.

In a statement today, PPCC Chairperson Zunga Siakalima said the complaints are as follows per province: Lusaka 51; Central 05; Southern 03; Eastern 03; Western 02; Copperbelt 02; North Western 01; Northern 01.

He said no complaints were received from Muchinga and Luapula Provinces.

And Mr. Siakalima noted that in the period under review (April – June 2024), the nature of the complaints includes: 14 Unlawful arrests and over detention, 11 discreditable conduct, 11 police inaction, 10 cases of unprofessional conduct, 07 police brutality, 05 abuse of authority, 04 corruption or malpractice cases, 02 deaths in custody, 03 of police negligence and 01 questionable release of suspects.

Mr. Siakalima expressed sadness that the Commission recorded 10 cases of extra judicial killings between April and June and the same number was recorded in the first quarter, January to march, 2024 bringing the total to 20.

He said of these 20, Copperbelt recorded 04 in the first quarter and 01 in the second quarter respectively adding that while Lusaka province recorded 06 in the first quarter and 09 in the second quarter.

Mr. Siakalima explained that this includes the four persons that were gunned down at Inter-land PUMA filling station on June 30th 2024 in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, the PPCC Chairperson said in line with Section 4(1)(e) of the Police Public Complaints Commission Act, the Commission engaged its partners and stakeholders to ensure professional police conduct.

Mr. Siakalima said after the public hearings, the Commission considered and referred several cases to the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the National Prosecutions Authority for further action.

“Our cornerstone as an oversight body remains the ability to operate and conduct investigations on police action without any interference. Therefore, I wish to remind members of the public of their responsibility to report any action by the police deemed unethical and against the law.”

“The mandate of the Commission is to receive and investigate complaints from the public against Police action. Furthermore, to create public awareness on the mandate and operations of the Commission. In that regard, various sensitization programs are being executed in order to inform the public of their rights and responsibilities.”

“Lastly, the Commission wishes to encourage members of the public to conduct themselves appropriately before the Police, who are enforcers of the law for a safe, secure, and peaceful Zambia. In the same vein, Police Officers are called upon to conduct themselves professionally in their course of duty.” Mr. Siakalima