By REBECCA MUSHOTA –

GOVERNMENT is investigating the possible unprofessional misconduct of some police officers that handled the United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters’ riotous behavior during campaigns in Solwezi West last week.
Home Affairs Minister Davies Mwila in his ministerial statement to Parliament yesterday said the Ministry of Home Affairs was investigating the apparent unprofessional conduct of police officers involved in the matter that ended up in a riot after the party members’ notice to hold public rally was declined.
Mr Mwila was making a statement on a point of order raised by Monze Central Member of Parliament (MP) Jack Mwiimbu who wanted to know what action the ministry was taking against police officers who handled the riot.
Mr Mwila said on Wednesday last week, UPND members rioted in Manyama area after school authorities at Manyama Basic School refused to allow them to hold a rally around 16:00 hours because school activities were still in progress.
The UPND members wanted to hold a campaign rally to drum up support for their candidate in the Solwezi West by-election that took place on Thursday last week.
Mr Mwila said after school authorities declined to give them permission, the party members went to Manyama Police Post demanding approval to hold a rally.
When police officers refused, the cadres started a riot resulting in two police officers sustaining head injuries and caused damage to communication equipment.
Police were prompted to fire teargas to disperse the cadres, in the process 21 were arrested.
As of the weekend, 18 had paid admission of guilt fines while three were still in detention because they could not pay.
Mr Mwila dispelled reports that the riots caused the death of some children as had been indicated earlier by Mr Mwiimbu.
“My ministry wishes to warn all political parties that riotous behavior will not be tolerated from any political party, be it UPND, MMD or PF. My ministry shall not equally accept poor management of public order on the part of the Police.
“I have therefore instituted an internal inquiry into the conduct of the Police, especially with regard to how they handled those who rioted and endangered the lives of pupils, teachers and destroyed property,” Mr Mwila said.
He said any Police officer found wanting would be dealt with accordingly.
Mr Mwila blamed the riot on the lack of planning by the UPND leadership.
He said his ministry and the Ministry of Justice were reviewing the Public Order Act with the view to making it more favourable for all political parties in order to foster good governance.
Earlier, new MPs for Lubansenshi and Solwezi West, George Mwamba of PF and Teddy Kansonso of UPND were introduced to the House.