Zambia Army dismisses platoon commander, others over viral flogging video

The Zambia Army has confirmed that soldiers seen in a viral video flogging an apprehended illegal miner in North-Western Province have been identified, charged and disciplined, with the Platoon Commander dismissed from service.

Army Spokesperson Colonel Sydney Mwewa said the video circulating on social media is old and depicts misconduct that the Army had already acted on.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Mwewa said immediate disciplinary action was taken against the soldiers involved and were charged accordingly.

“The Army wishes to inform the public that the soldiers involved were positively identified as belonging to the Zambia Army,” Mwewa stated.

He said the Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Japhet Banda, who was responsible for the troops at the time was dismissed from the Army.

Mwewa noted that the incident only became public after internal action had been completed.

“It is unfortunate that the public has come to know about the incidence after the Zambia Army had already taken actions against the soldiers involved,” he said.

Mwewa stressed that the Zambia Army did not condone indiscipline in any form and that their conduct was contrary to the values of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human dignity that the Army upholds.

“Any soldier found wanting will be dealt with firmly and decisively in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Act, Chapter 106 of the Laws of Zambia,” he stated.

Mwewa assured the public of the Zambia Army’s commitment to accountability and standards of discipline.

He added that measures were continually being reinforced to ensure soldiers conduct themselves with honour.

“Measures are continually reinforced to ensure that the conduct of soldiers reflects the honour and integrity expected of the Zambia Army,” Mwewa stated.

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