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The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has condemned instances of police brutality, particularly targeting opposition leaders and citizens exercising their rights.
Solomon Ngoma, Executive Director of AIPAC, reminded police officers that professionalism, discretion, and respect for human dignity should guide their conduct at all times.
In a statement issued in Lusaka, Ngoma expressed regret that such incidents occurred even in the presence of the Lusaka Police Commissioner, despite calls from President Hakainde Hichilema urging police to avoid abuses.
He emphasized that the use of force should only occur when truly necessary, noting that it was the courts, not the police, that were responsible for punishment.
“Before using force, officers must ask themselves whether it is truly necessary. Throwing suspects into vehicles is abusive and unlawful,” Ngoma said.
He stressed that modern policing involved arresting, detaining, and prosecuting individuals without resorting to violence or insults.
Ngoma reminded officers that the Constitution presumed suspects innocent until proven guilty and that this principle must be respected.
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“Such conduct is not minimum force, nor is it self-defense—it is an attack, and it is actionable,” he added.
Ngoma also called on officers to exercise discretion and good judgment, highlighting that circumstances mattered and not every arrest was necessary.
He urged all police to uphold the Constitution, respect human rights, and protect life and property with integrity, noting the weight of responsibility that comes with their powers.
“We urge all officers to uphold the Constitution, respect human rights, and protect life and property with integrity,” Ngoma said.
The statement followed incidents of police brutality circulating on social media, showing officers mishandling Citizens First Member, Victor Nyasulu, who is also an aspiring Lusaka Mayor candidate, along with other suspects.
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