By DELPHINE ZULU –
INSPECTOR General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has warned that the Police would not hesitate to arrest anyone brandishing fire arms and other offensive weapons in a manner that can cause public terror.
Mr Kanganja said the police had noticed a proliferation of items that were dangerous and being used to cause insecurity in Zambia during the current political violence.
He named common used weapons as air gun pistols, machetes (pangas), teaser guns and catapults among others.
The IG said the police would not hesitate to apprehend anyone found wanting and had since directed all police officers to effect the warning.
He said the police have been non-violent in the execution of their duties and shall therefore continue to do so.
Mr Kanganja warned that Section 84 of the Penal Code Act states clearly that any person who goes armed in public without lawful occasion in such a manner as to cause terror to any person commits an offence and his arms may be forfeited.
“With regards to the political violence we have experienced the police will not hesitate to arrest anyone found armed in public even if the culprits are licensed fire arm holders,” he said.
“The Zambia Police Service has never taken any sides in any case, they are always professional and fair in their dealings,” he said.
