Inspector-General of Police, Musamba, says govt not plotting to ambush ex-president Lungu

Inspector-General of Police, Graphael Musamba, has denied allegations by ex-president Edgar Lungu that there were plans by officers to ambush him at night.

The Police are reported to have opened 25 dockets against Lungu allegedly based on formal complaints from United Party for National Development (UPND) members in Lusaka.

Responding to Lungu in Lusaka on Thursday, Musamba categorically stated that these allegations were unfounded and false.

He stated that at no point did his men and women in uniform have any intention of ambushing Lungu or any other citizen.

“Our primary concern is the safety and security of all individuals, including Lungu.
As a former head of state, he is entitled to protection and our monitoring of his movements is strictly for his own safety,” Musamba said.

The Police Chief stated that this was standard procedure and would be done with the utmost respect for his privacy and dignity.

He added that should Lungu fail to inform the police of his movements, officers would still ensure his protection by monitoring his activities, as it was their duty to do so.

“The Police security personnel currently assigned to Mr. Lungu are funded by the government.

However, there are situations where these personnel may not suffice in ensuring his safety during all movements,” Musamba said.

He stated that additional measures by the police were sometimes necessary to provide adequate protection.

Musamba appealed to the public to understand the role of the police in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

“We ask for your cooperation and to avoid making baseless accusations against the police when it suits particular interests, only to seek police assistance when it becomes convenient,” he appealed.

Musamba assured that the Zambia Police Service remains committed to its duty to protect and serve the public impartially and professionally.

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