LAZ condemn Police conduct during UNZA riot

Law Association of Zambia

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has joined in condemning the conduct of the Zambia Police Service during the riot at the University of Zambia Great East Road campus leading to the death of a female student Vespers Shimunzhila.

In a statement issued to Q-news, the LAZ Council says it condemns the excessive force used by the Police who are believed to have followed unarmed and peaceful students who were in their rooms after the demonstration ad threw teargas canisters in the rooms.

It says although LAZ does not support any unlawful action by the students, such as blocking of the Great East Road and endangering the lives of motorists and other road users, it condemns in the strongest possible terms, the heavy handed and disproportionate police action that violates individual human rights.

The Law Association of Zambia hopes government will take necessary action to support Vespers’ family.

The association has further called on the Inspector General of Police to institute prompt and thorough investigations into the incidence and to make the findings public.

It further calls for any officer who will be found wanting to face the law.

LAZ says it expects that this incident will not end quietly but that justice will be done in the matter.

Meanwhile Vespers Shimunzhila who suffocated as a result of Police teargas during a riot UNZA great east road campus last Thursday will be put to rest today.

The funeral procession which is being led by the students started from the UNZA great east road campus to the seventh day University of Zambia church were a church service is being held.