ACTING Inspector-General of Police, Francis Kabonde has warned that the police will not allow a repeat of the food riots of the 1980s by allowing political parties to hold illegal protests.

Mr Kabonde said in Lusaka yesterday that the police service was watching the situation and would deal sternly with all those who would want to take to the streets without its blessings.

Mr Kabonde said this in an interview in Lusaka yesterday in reaction to opposition Patriotic Front (PF) president, Michael Sata who said his party would go ahead with countrywide protests over mealie meal prices even if police objected to them.

He said although the public had the right to express themselves, the police would not allow spontaneous protests held outside the provisions of Zambian laws.

"We are committed to maintaining law and order and we are ready to deal with any situation if need arises because we want people to go on with their daily business. We shall not allow food riots like it happened in the 1980s," Mr Kabonde said.

He said that the police command had put in place measures to stop any acts of anarchy.

Mr Kabonde said as at yesterday, the police had not received any notice for the PF's planned demonstrations.

He explained that the current high prices of mealie meal were a global problem and it was wrong for politicians to use such situations to instigate confusion.

"The law is very clear and those found wanting should be ready to face the law," Mr Kabonde said. Continued on Page 3