26 February 2008
editorial
Ndola — THE Human Rights Commissions (HRC)'s call for improved security measures for police officers should be supported and followed up immediately with a proactive process to protect the lives of law enforcement officers so that they are able to carry out duties without fear.
As the HRC noted, it is sad that criminals have continued to attack officers when the men and women in uniforms are there to maintain law and order, which is a necessary ingredient to an environment of respect for human rights.
In the latest incident at the weekend, four machete-wielding criminals had the audacity and nerve to walk into Nega Nega police station in Mazabuka where they hacked a female officer on the head and right arm before they wrestled an AK47 rifle from her.
The incident should be a wake up call to authorities that indeed the criminals are on a 'war path'.
Thus, strict measures should be put in place now to ensure that the officers and other people are protected from ruthless elements such as those that pounced on the female officer who has dedicated herself to national duties.
What is even more worrying is that criminals now are frequently attacking the police officers who themselves are there to protect members of the public and also prosecute people found on the wrong side of the law.
We urge the police command to beef up staff levels in police establishments, which have now become targets of criminals who are in desperate search of weapons.
The police command should also acquire sophisticated equipment such as surveillance cameras, which should be installed in strategic areas so that officers on duty are able to detect potential attack early enough.
Additionally, infrastructure, particularly that which is being erected now, should conform to standards required for security institutions.
Protective measures should not only be restricted to the Zambia Police Service but extended to other security agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
We are mindful of the cost implication but the measures could be implemented in phases depending on the resources available.
We are aware that the Government itself is concerned and is taking steps to equip and avail the security wings with necessary facilities, as evidenced recently when new vehicles were acquired for the police, Zambia Prisons Service, and other institutions.
The public must help the police service to tackle such audacious criminals by ensuring that they do not find safe hiding places within the community.
Aiding the police to become more effective against criminals can only be good for the public.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 The Times of Zambia. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
