Police Public Complaints Commission (PPCC) Chairperson, Zunga Siakalima, has urged members of the public to utilise local councils when lodging complaints against police misconduct.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Isoka Town Council Secretary, Mr Siakalima said the Police Public Complaints Commission Act empowers council secretaries to receive complaints from the public against police actions, which are then forwarded to the Commission for investigation and recommendations.
“The Act gives power to the Council Secretary to receive complaints from the public in cases where they feel unjustly treated by the police,” he said.
Mr Siakalima explained that the PPCC’s mandate includes investigating cases of alleged police misconduct and making recommendations to relevant authorities in line with the provisions of the Act.
He said the Commission is conducting community sensitisation programmes in various districts to raise public awareness on how to lodge complaints and seek redress when mistreated.
“We want people to know that justice is within their reach and they do not need to feel helpless when they experience misconduct by officers,” he added.
And Isoka Town Council Secretary, Brian Musonda, described the law as progressive, stating that it empowers citizens to seek justice where they believe they have been unfairly treated.
“Many people lack information about such provisions, but we intend to change that through increased sensitisation,” he said.
Mr Musonda added that the council will enhance public sensitisation through community platforms such as WhatsApp groups with councillors and Ward Development Committees, as well as radio programmes supported under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He further said Isoka Town Council will work closely with the PPCC to ensure residents are well-informed about their right to lodge complaints locally.
