Police have urged members of the public with grievances against law enforcement officers to use established complaint channels rather than resort to violence, following the arrest of a clinical officer accused of assaulting a traffic officer in Ndola.
Emmanuel Njovu, 32, a clinical officer at Ndola Teaching Hospital, faces up to five years’ imprisonment if convicted when the matter goes to court.
According to Godfrey Chilabi, spokesperson for the Zambia Police Service, assaulting or obstructing a police officer in the execution of lawful duties is a serious offence.
“Assaulting or obstructing a police officer in the execution of lawful duties is an offence under Section 250(b) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, and attracts imprisonment of up to five years upon conviction,” Chilabi said.
He added that police officers derive their authority from the Constitution of Zambia, which mandates them to maintain law and order, protect life and property, and prevent or detect crime. Chilabi reminded citizens that they have a constitutional duty to cooperate with law enforcement officers.
“The public may have concerns regarding police conduct, but violence — whether by a police officer or a member of the public — is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.
Chilabi noted that the Service has established internal complaint mechanisms through which citizens can lodge grievances. He also pointed to oversight bodies such as the Police Public Complaints Commission, which receive and address complaints in a lawful and structured manner.
Police strongly condemned the incident and reiterated that anyone who assaults or obstructs an officer performing lawful duties will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
The incident, which was filmed and later went viral online, occurred on Wednesday, February 18, around 10:10 hours near Lake Petroleum, a few metres from Hillcrest Police Post in Ndola.
Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Mwala Yuyi said the victim, 31-year-old traffic officer George Ilyamupu, was on duty around 10:00 hours when he noticed a Toyota Ractis, registration number BCG 4472, allegedly failing to obey traffic signs.
“The motor vehicle was then stopped by the officer and the driver was instructed to park off the road,” Yuyi said.
Instead of complying, Njovu allegedly became unruly and accused the officer of delaying him, claiming he was late for duties at the referral hospital.
When the officer attempted to escort him to Hillcrest Police Post, the situation escalated, with the suspect allegedly kicking and punching the officer, leaving him with general body pains.
Police later apprehended Njovu and charged him with assaulting a police officer, contrary to Section 250(c) of the Penal Code.
Clinical officer, very difficult for me to represent you.
Who hasnt witnessed the traffic police abusing traffic laws especially at junction of Kafue and lumumba Road
Clinical Officer Needs support
My people from the village at work here…… Vakumakolo this ain’t normal…. ?