By Mubanga Mubanga
Zambia Police Service says it is dismayed by reports that a named law firm has written to the Zimbabwean Embassy alleging that Zambia Police officers abducted Francis Kapwepwe commonly known as ‘Why Me’.
Recently, lawyers representing Kapwepwe, Makebi Zulu advocates, wrote to the Zimbabwean government to know whether the Zambia Police Service was allowed to apprehend him in that country.
The lawyers are also reported to have written to Inspector General Police Graphael Musamba demanding that he should explain where he was being kept since his apprehension in Zimbabwe in June.
But, in a statement yesterday, Zambia Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that the apprehension of a suspect formed part of lawful evidence, which could only be adduced in the court of law.
“The Zambia Police Service is dismayed by circulating social media reports suggesting that a named law firm has written to the Zimbabwean Embassy alleging that Zambia Police officers abducted one Francis Kapwepwe, commonly known as “Why Me”, from Zimbabwe, and questioning whether such action was sanctioned by Zimbabwean authorities,” Hamoonga stated
“We wish to categorically state that the apprehension of a suspect is a lawful process that forms part of evidence which arresting officers are mandated to adduce during trial in a competent court of law. It is therefore, inappropriate and premature for the Zambia Police Service to discuss matters that constitute evidence outside the confines of a courtroom.”
Hamoonga also stated that the Zambia Police would not be drawn into a public debate regarding the same matter, because they could only give evidence in a competent court of law.
“For the avoidance of doubt, evidence is not adduced in the media or to individuals demanding explanations, but before a competent court of law where due process is followed. The Zambia Police Service will thus not be drawn into public debates or speculative discussions regarding this matter,” stated Hamoonga.
Hamoonga stated that the Zambia Police Service remained committed to upholding the rule of law, respecting due process, and fostering continued collaboration with their counterparts within the region in the fight against crime.
