.LIBONGANI

By SYLVIA MWEETWA –

INSPECTOR General of Police Stella Libongani has assured Zambians and political parties taking part in the September 11, parliamentary by-elections that police will ensure that the law is applied fairly and equally.
Ms Libongani has also warned that lawlessness would not be tolerated during or after the elections and that the police was interested in seeing to it that electorate were allowed to cast their votes without intimidation.
She warned that those found wanting would face the wrath of the law.
Speaking in Kabwe yesterday before addressing officers tasked to monitor the activities during the Mkushi by-elections, Ms Libongani said the police had committed itself to ensure that the law was applied fairly and that lawlessness could not be tolerated.
She said the public should not feel threatened by the presence of police officers but instead feel protected considering that there duty was to maintain law and order.
She said the police command had already deployed mobile unit officers because in some areas, local officers were unable to carry out surveillance operations.
“I want to state that as police we are committed to ensuring law and order prevails during the upcoming elections and we are ready to handle any situation that may arise but I am confident that the elections will be peaceful,” she said.
She said officers would remain vigilant and professional in their conduct but cautioned the political cadres against causing confusion.
She however, commended the political parties for the peaceful campaigns exhibited so far.
Ms Libongani was expected to meet police officers deployed in various centres to finalise the way forward and to hear challenges faced since their deployment in Mkushi South.
Five constituencies go to the polls on September11, this year. The five are Kasenengwa, Vubwi, Zambezi West, Solwezi central and Mkushi South.