141 Views The Zambia Police Service has urged citizens to choose dialogue over confrontation as the country heads to the August 13 General Elections, hours after firing teargas to disperse a Tonse PF-Pamodzi Alliance roadshow that left a 10-year-old girl injured. In its “Tip of the Day” public sensitization message issued yesterday, police said individual […]

141 Views

The Zambia Police Service has urged citizens to choose dialogue over confrontation as the country heads to the August 13 General Elections, hours after firing teargas to disperse a Tonse PF-Pamodzi Alliance roadshow that left a 10-year-old girl injured.

In its “Tip of the Day” public sensitization message issued yesterday, police said individual conduct will determine whether Zambia holds orderly polls.

“PEACEFUL ELECTIONS START WITH YOU. Your actions matter. Choose respect over confrontation, dialogue over conflict, and obedience to the law over disorder as Zambia heads to the polls,” the statement read.

Police emphasized that every responsible action by voters, candidates and supporters contributes to “peaceful, free, fair and orderly elections.”

The appeal came hours after officers threw teargas to disperse a roadshow conducted by Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu in Kalingalinga and Mtendere compounds. Reports circulated that a girl had been shot in the leg.

Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi dismissed claims that anyone was shot, saying no loss of life was recorded.

Speaking on radio this morning, Chilabi explained that during a crowd control operation, officers discharged tear smoke canisters to disperse the crowd.

“A pellet from one of the canisters inadvertently struck a girl from Mtendere Compound on the leg while she was some distance away from the operational area,” he said.

He added that the girl was rushed to Mtendere Clinic for treatment and later discharged. Police have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

With 27 days to go before voting, authorities say public cooperation is critical to preventing violence.

“Peace is not the responsibility of police alone. It starts with you, in your community, at your rally, and at the polling station,” police stated.

Zambians will on August 13 elect a President, 156 Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and over 1,600 councilors.