Wed, 21 Jun 2017 09:10:59 +0000
By PRINCE CHIBAWAH
A POLICE shake-up is looming as the service targets to increase efficiency and alleviate graft by removing corrupt elements, sources have revealed.
The Zambia Police Service is getting rid of what are said to be disgruntled elements in a large-scale shake-up, that will hopefully plug leaks and increase the publics confidence in the service.
Police spokesperson Esther Katongo said although she had not received the information, the shake-up was a normal exercise done routinely.
The sources however explained that the letter ordered that the police high command submits a list of all disgruntled police officers.
They said the list was supposed to be submitted to the Deputy Inspector General of Police – Administration by Monday, 12th June 2017 before 12:00 hours.
“The letter is directing that police high command should submit the details of disgruntled police officers under their respective command,” said the sources.
The sources further stated that the list should be all inclusive regardless of age, sex, rank, appointment, formation or service.
The letter states that “however, the list should include the following; service number, rank, state whether confirmed or acting, surname, first name, gender, formation and appointment [of disgruntled police officers]. Kindly expedite,” said the sources.
Ms. Katongo said she had not yet received the information about the impending shake up but stated that the process was normal in the Police service.
“I have not yet received the information you are trying to verify. However, such a process is normal. It’s not a special operation.
“In short this is just a directive to discharge or relieve disgruntled officers of their duties. It is something which is done regularly,” said Ms Katongo.
Meanwhile, National Revolution Party (NRP) president Cosmo Mumba has urged Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja to discharge all police officers who were working against the State.
Dr. Mumba told the Daily Nation that his party was aware that there were some police officers championing the agenda of the opposition in Zambia.
“The police self-cleansing is a welcome move. It has come at the right time when we have a good number of bad elements working against President Lungu and the Government.
“As a party, we would like to strongly urge Mr Kanganja to investigate and sanction those police officers who are advancing the agenda of the opposition,” said Dr Mumba.
