Now Police Threaten To Arrest Catholic & Other Church Leaders Who Called For HH’s Release

As Police, we are concerned with on-going statements and remarks regarding the arrest of the UPND leader, Mr Hakainde Hichilema in which certain quotas of society are advocating for solidarity marches, protests and above all issuing alarming statements that have potential to instill fear, insecurity and cause anarchy in the country.
We would like to bring it to the attention of members of public that it is contempt of Court to make use of any speech, writing or misrepresenting proceedings before courts. Such acts are deemed to be capable of prejudicing the process and lowering the authority of any person before whom such proceedings are being held.
This is contrary to section 116 (1) (d) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Members of the public regardless of their political affiliation, religion, race and tribe are therefore, advised and warned to desist from making such comments and careless talk that may cause alarm and generate instability in the country.
Our role as Police is to maintain law and order, peace and stability, therefore statements aimed at bringing disunity and division shall not be condoned at all cost.
We have seen countries where the clergy have mismanaged national issues that brought about atrocities and as Zambia Police we shall not allow that.
We urge members of the public to let the due process of the law take its course as the matter is before competent courts.
MALCOM MULENGA
DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE IN CHARGE OF OPERATIONS
Issued on 17th June, 2017