FORMER Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo says the Zambia Police Service currently lacks the capacity to effectively maintain security around the clock, raising concerns over the feasibility of implementing a 24-hour economy.
Kampyongo questioned whether the police can adequately safeguard streets and business premises throughout the night, noting that such an economic model requires a strong and well-resourced security system.
His remarks come in the wake of assurances by Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba that citizens would not be arbitrarily arrested for so-called “shishita” operations, which have in the past drawn public criticism.
Kampyongo, however, maintained that beyond policy assurances, there is a need for practical capacity in terms of manpower, equipment, and logistics to ensure public safety at all hours.
He added that without significant investment in the police service, including recruitment, training, and improved mobility, it would be difficult to guarantee security under a 24-hour economic framework.
The former minister further cautioned that inadequate policing could expose businesses and citizens to increased criminal activities, particularly during late hours.
Kampyongo has since urged government to prioritise strengthening the police service before fully rolling out the 24-hour economy, emphasizing that security remains a critical pillar for its success.
Ba Kampyongo, if you failed, doesn’t mean even others will fail.
Police had no powers during your time but PF cadres.
Shame on you!
Don’t attack Kampyongo. Counter his idea.
Iwe ka Kampyongo
At your age,are you not aware of the wonders of ICT and Ai in a 24/7 economy.PF and its supporters have substandard education.Thats they see impossibilities in every thing
Actually it can be done security is not the police alone it starts with the citizens they are the first line of defence. The police should shift men away from the roadblocks to patrols in the compounds and residential areas, back it up with presence at vital installations like zesco transformers, the airport, broadcasting stations, etc. Also strategically place unmarked cars on the roads to curb those who wish to break the law…beef support to ratsa as they can provide transport…invest in communication walkie talkies…partner mobile providers to help with communications ….beef up neighbourhood watch have them registered with the police…
Yes,Mate.
All the alternatives you have mentioned can actually be leveraged by effective utilisation of ICTs and AI.Placed properly we will not need so many policemen as envisioned by little Kampyongo, Binwell Mpundu and Mutotwe Kafwaya
What comes to mind when you see honourable?
My wife’s perfume are some people’s rent.
Kolapt-kolaption and yet he is supposed to serve the people of Zambia.
Cadres running wild, remember you could not wear the color red even when not affiliated to any political party.
PF – never again!
The police have no capacity to preform any of their duties apart from blue light patrols
Speak to ordinary people and hear the truth
Police are busy following opposition members. They have no time for anything else.
Police first enough street lights ..ict can’t work in zambia at the moment…
Very interesting to hear a once national leader thinks a 24-hr economy is not possible. First, for all of you smart folks, including esteemed journalists in the Zambia media space, please, take a close look at what’s currently or has been going in Zambia for decades. To a not small extent, there is a close to 24-hr economy in sectors of the Zambian economy. Night life, bars, dance halls, some eating places already run into the late or early hours of the night/day. Therefore, to argue that this cannot happen is arguing blindly while ignoring what’s already happening. It does not mean that ALL business will be open 24-hrs, but what it means is that there will be regulated operations of business so government can tax Shebeens and backyard business that are already operating now.