Chapter One Foundation Limited has taken note of the disproportionate use of force by the Police at former Republican President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s Ibex Hill residence.
Foundation Executive Director Linda Kasonde says the great efforts to gain forced entry into the former Head of State’s residence in a bid to search the premises are concerning even though the powers and duties of the Zambia Police Service to conduct searches where there is reasonable suspicion of illegality.
Ms. Kasonde states that the Foundation is not advocating for the police not to investigate crimes where they occur but notes that according to Article 18 of the Constitution, everyone is to be treated and regarded as innocent until proven guilty and in the performance of the aforementioned, the Police have a duty to respect and protect the human rights of all persons and may only use force when strictly necessary and to the extent required by the performance of their duty.
As an organisation that advocates for human rights, democracy, and justice, Chapter One Foundation has expressed displeasure in the manner in which the events unfolded, stating that the actions by the Police did not reflect the above as the force used was not proportionate to the legitimate objective to be achieved given the circumstances. Ms. Kasonde warns that these actions have the ability to cause unrest and may negatively impact the peace that has characterised Zambia’s democracy thus far.
