Police beefs up security in Livingstone

Police beefs up security in Livingstone

Livingstone, February 20, ZANIS ——-The Zambia Police service has deployed 300 police officers in Livingstone to  prevent any incidences of electoral violence ahead of the February 28 parliamentary by-elections.

And police in Livingstone has recorded five cases of electoral malpractices including one involving the defamation of the president.

Briefing the media today, Inspector General of police Stella Libongani said the officers have been deployed to ensure that law and order was maintained in the tourist capital.

Ms Libongani said police will not ignore all cases that are reported and will handle them in a professional and impartial manner.

She encouraged all political players to come forward and report any complaints regarding the campaigns so that police could move in to maintain peace and order.

“I wish to state that all cases of criminal nature will be handled in a professional and impartial manner in order to prevent any incidences of political violence in the run up to the February 28 polls,” said Ms Libongani.

She however said the police will only handle cases of criminal nature while other cases will be referred to the Districts Conflict Resolution committee.

And Southern Province Police Commissioner Charity Katanga said so far police has received five cases including one involving UPND campaign Manager Garry Nkombo who allegedly defamed the Republican President Mr Micheal Sata during a campaign trail two weeks ago.
She said the campaign atmosphere was generally peaceful apart from the five cases that were being handled by police.

“We have so far received five cases one of which involves UPND campaign manager Mr Nkombo who is alleged to have defamed the president some two weeks ago and we are just waiting for instructions from the Public Prosecutor to proceed with the case,” said Ms Katanga.

Livingstone District Electoral Officer Ms Vivian Chikoti also said the District Conflict Resolution Committee had not received any complaints pertaining to electoral malpractices.

Ms Chikoti appealed to all political parties and electorates to report any one contravening the electoral code of conduct to the conflict resolution committee or the police.