Police Public Complaints Commission Records 68 Complaints Against Police Conduct in Second Quarter of 2024
The Police Public Complaints Commission (PPCC) has reported a significant increase in complaints against police conduct, with 68 cases recorded between April and June 2024. This marks a rise from the 46 complaints received in the first quarter of the year.
The majority of the complaints came from Lusaka Province, which accounted for 51 cases. Other provinces with reported complaints included Central (5), Southern (3), Eastern (3), Western (2), Copperbelt (2), North-Western (1), and Northern (1). No complaints were received from Muchinga and Luapula Provinces.
The complaints varied in nature, with the most common being unlawful arrests and over-detention (14 cases), discreditable conduct (11), police inaction (11), and unprofessional conduct (10). There were also reports of police brutality (7), abuse of authority (5), corruption or malpractice (4), deaths in custody (2), police negligence (3), and questionable release of suspects (1).
Tragically, the PPCC also recorded 10 cases of extra-judicial killings during the second quarter, matching the number recorded in the first quarter. Lusaka Province reported the highest number of such cases, with 9 incidents in the second quarter alone, including the deaths of four people who were shot at the Inter-land PUMA filling station on 30 June 2024.
Copperbelt Province recorded 1 extra-judicial killing in the second quarter, down from 4 in the first quarter.
In response to these troubling reports, the PPCC has engaged with partners and stakeholders to ensure that police conduct is professional and accountable. The Commission has referred several cases to the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the National Prosecutions Authority for further investigation and action.
PPCC Chairperson Zunga Siakalima emphasized the Commission’s commitment to operating independently and without interference. He urged the public to report any unethical or illegal actions by the police and reminded both citizens and police officers of their responsibilities to uphold the law and maintain professionalism.
The Commission continues to work on raising public awareness about its mandate and the rights of citizens through various sensitization programs.
Mr. Siakalima encouraged the public to conduct themselves appropriately when interacting with law enforcement and called on police officers to perform their duties with integrity and professionalism.
