Police in Luapula Province have reinforced manpower in five districts that had fewer personnel ahead of the August 13 General Elections.
Luapula Province Commissioner of Police, Stephen Palaata, said in an interview that reinforcements have been deployed to Milenge, Chifunabuli, Lunga, Chembe, and Chipili from the division headquarters.
He said the officers have already reported in their designated areas.
“All officers, including those in districts that did not receive reinforcement, are expected to undergo training by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in their respective districts. We have cautioned our officers to conduct themselves in a professional manner,” Mr Palaata said.
Mr Palaata has since called on political parties in the area to conduct their campaigns peacefully.
He said the police are there to maintain peace and order and will not tolerate lawlessness.
“Let’s conduct peaceful campaigns and maintain peace and order. We are mandated by law to restore order, and we will do just that when the need arises,” he said.
Pre-election activities started yesterday with presidential nominations, while Members of Parliament and local government nominees will begin filing on Wednesday.
Are these reinforcements from the famous police database?
The one that surfaces whenever Lilayi doesn’t want unemployed civilians making noise at that recruitment ground?
Where are the name tags?