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The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called for a prompt, transparent and independent investigation into the Kalingalinga tear-gassing incident involving Zambia Police and National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) supporters.
The incident, which occurred in the densely populated residential area, resulted in the discharge of tear gas and reportedly left a young girl injured.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Chairperson of the group, Beauty Katebe said the organisation learnt with grave concern of the reported acts of overzealousness by the Zambia Police during the operation in Kalingalinga, describing the events as deeply troubling.
She noted that such incidents underscored the serious risks posed when law enforcement operations were conducted without adequate restraint, particularly during the election period ahead of the 13th August 2026 General Elections.
“Zambia Police must prioritise the safety and protection of all citizens, especially women and children, who bear the heaviest cost when policing actions place communities in danger,” Katebe stated.
She highlighted that girls and women navigated public spaces, markets and compounds daily, and that the use of tear gas in residential areas disproportionately affected them.
Read More: Police fire tear gas, disrupt Mundubile, Zulu rally in Kalingalinga (Images)
“The deployment of tear gas in a densely populated residential area disproportionately endangers them, alongside children, the elderly and persons with disabilities who cannot easily flee such environments,” Katebe stated.
She said the injury of an innocent child in the crossfire was unacceptable and must not be normalised as collateral damage of election-season policing.
“We further demand a prompt, transparent and independent investigation into this incident, with the officer(s) responsible for the child’s injury held accountable through appropriate disciplinary and, where warranted, legal processes,” Katebe restated.
She called upon the Zambia Police Service to exercise maximum restraint as officers execute their mandate to maintain law and order during the electoral period, emphasising that crowd management must be guided by proportionality, and force must never be the default response to peaceful political activity.
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