The Zambia Police Service, in collaboration with other law enforcement and security agencies, is conducting security risk assessments at selected key Government premises countrywide aimed at safeguarding State institutions, public officers, and members of the public.
This resulted in the courts countrywide being closed and cordoned off yesterday, with the members of staff being ordered to go back to their homes until further notice. The assessments were also conducted at selected premises under the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Attorney General’s Chambers, and other selected Government departments and institutions.
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba confirmed the development in a statement yesterday. Mr Musamba said the exercise sought to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities and prevent threats to public safety and the functioning of Government institutions.
“The Zambia Police Service wishes to clarify that the exercise is not directed at any individuals or group. It is part of ongoing security measures to strengthen protection at critical Government premises and ensure the safety of persons and property.”
“The operations are being conducted professionally, lawfully, and in coordination with security and law enforcement agencies,” Mr Musamba said.
He said the exercise was ongoing and urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel and comply with security instructions.
Judiciary Chief Administrator Nalishebo Imataa isued a memorandum to members of staff yesterday informing them about the closing of the court premises.
“For security reasons, all members of staff are advised not to report for work today. Further guidance would be issued once the situation was contained,” the memorandum reads in part.
A check at the Supreme Court premises, which is also home to the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) and High Court, revealed that …
