. Mukanga

By CHARITY MOONGA –
OPPOSITION political parties have called for the depoliticising of the Zambia Security Intelligence Services (ZSIS).
Contributing to estimates of expenditure for the ZSIS, Kalabo Central UPND Member of Parliament (MP) Chinga Miyutu said the Government should not use money meant for ZSIS for campaigns.
Katuba MP Jonas Shakafuswa said ZSIS funds had been abused for too long and called for an oversight parliamentary committee that would audit the accounts of the institution.
The Government should not use the Office of the President to symphony funds and to attract opposition members.
There was need for professionalism among ZSIS officers as some of them were in some instances reducing themselves to political party cadres.
Monze UPND MP Jack Mwiimbu said the ZSIS officers should rise above board and uphold the rights of citizens.
He condemned the violence that reportedly took place in Lusaka yesterday when PF factions clashed in the central business district.
The ZSIS should always be ahead to advise the Government on possible violent clashes within and among political parties so that the security of Zambians is guaranteed.
Some Zambian citizens had lost lives as a result of failure by ZSIS to alert the Government.
There should be no parallel intelligence wing in Zambia as that was not healthy because it undermined and frustrated the existing structure.
ZSIS should assist the Zambia police fight the rising crime levels, and ZSIS officers should strive to be non-partisan.
Lupososhi PF MP Chungu Bwalya urged ZSIS staff to remain objective, especially on matters of national security.
Ikelengi MMD MP Elijah Muchima thanked ZSIS for assisting maintain peace in Zambia.
He said it was important to appoint professional officers to work in that institution to assist uphold professionalism and integrity.
Leader of Government business in Parliament Yamfwa Mukanga pledged continued peace and security in the country with the assistance of ZSIS.
“As PF, we are in control of the affairs of the country and we will continue to do so,” Mr Mukanga said.