By Bwale Mutanuka
One thousand, six hundred (1, 600) police officers have received medals countrywide during the commemoration of Police Day.
The occasion was graced by Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo.
This year’s Police Day is being commemorated under the theme: “2020 the year to enhance operational performance in order to provide quality service to the public”.
Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja said the service in 1994 embarked on police reform programs which saw the birth of the community oriented policing.
Mr Kanganja said the relationship between Zambia Police and the members of the public has been strengthened, hence the introduction of Zambia Police Day in order to interact with members of the public.
He said the mandate of Zambia Police is to maintain peace, law and order in the nation.
“Due to the security situation that the nation has been facing, the Zambia Police officers have gone flat out to ensure that the situation is normalized. As of Tuesday March 3, 2020, police recorded a total of 668 cases of spraying chemicals (gassing) out of 577 cases are still under investigations. 566 have been apprehended and arrested,” he said
And Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo said the commemoration of Police Day has come at a time when the Police Service is battling with criminality and lawlessness characterised by spreading false and malicious information.
Mr Kampyongo said Zambia Police must remain alert and vigilant at all times.
He urged them to fulfil their solemn duty of protecting lives and property in the nation.
He congratulated the officers who were awarded countrywide.
Former Inspector Generals of Police such as Ephraim Mateyo and Dr Martin Malama were also in attendance.
