Zambia Police Service Inspector General Graphel Musamba has paid tribute to police officers who died in the line of duty, describing them as courageous men and women whose sacrifices safeguarded peace and the rule of law.
Speaking during the first commemoration of the INTERPOL International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers in Lusaka, Mr Musamba said the day provides an opportunity for law enforcement agencies worldwide to honour officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities.
He noted that the fallen officers were not only members of the police service but also pillars in their families and communities.
“They were colleagues, mentors, parents, children and friends who chose the extraordinary path of service,” Mr Musamba said.
He added that their sacrifice serves as a reminder that peace and security are achieved through courage, vigilance and commitment.
Mr Musamba thanked INTERPOL for providing a platform to commemorate fallen officers and urged serving officers to uphold professionalism, integrity and discipline in honour of their legacy.
And Organising committee chairperson Godfrey Chilabi described preparations for the inaugural remembrance ceremony as challenging but rewarding, proposing the erection of a memorial wall inscribed with the names of fallen officers as a permanent tribute.
Speaking on behalf of bereaved families, Maureen Sakala said the ceremony provides an opportunity to honour the memory of loved ones whose commitment to duty contributed to maintaining peace and security.
Among those honoured were Constable Elizabeth Banda, Constable Raymond Mubita, Sergeant Frank Phiri, Sergeant Mwikisa Mutumba, Detective Constable Nathan Sakala and Constable Steven Mkandawire, all of whom died in 2025 while serving.
The INTERPOL International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers, observed globally on March 7, recognises officers who lost their lives in the line of duty while working to ensure peace, justice, and public safety.
