By JACK MWEWA –

FIVE Ndola police officers said to be sympathisers of suspended Copperbelt police chief Mary Tembo have now sought judicial review against transfers they feel were unfairly originated.

The five – Tenazio Phiri, Aaron Chabilikila, Marvin Chilufya, Alex Chilufya and David Sitimela – say that the transfers were actuated by malice as they were targeted for attending Ms Tembo’s court sessions.

The five said in an affidavit filed by Mr Phiri that they had been victimised since Ms Tembo was suspended and that the acting Copperbelt Police Chief Joyce Kasosa accused them of providing security to Ms Tembo.

Mr Phiri said the reasons cited to have them transferred to rural areas were unreasonable and unsupported by law.

“I believe that the decision by the Inspector General of Police to transfer me is unreasonable and unsupported by law as she is taking into account irrelevant considerations relating to the issues surrounding suspended Copperbelt commissioner Mary Tembo,” he said.

Mr Phiri said Zambia practised an open court system and stopping him and his colleagues from attending court proceedings was an infringement on constitutional rights relating to freedom of movement and association.

He said if the Inspector General’s decision was not stayed pending determination of the matter, they would be subjected to untold suffering, irreparable damage and would result in the institutionalisation of victimisation in the Police Service.

Mr Phiri said the transfers were effected contrary to procedure which required notification by the Police Command of the chairperson of the Police and Prisons Commission.