TO                         :      ALL MEDIA

FROM                    :      PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

SUBJECT               :      STATEMENT ON ALLEGEDLY USE OF

                                    TEAR GAS IN CHIPANGALI                                        

DATE                     :       17^th JUNE, 2015

The Zambia Police would like to dispel the report in the post edition Number 6814 of 15^th June, 2015 under   the headline “PF Angers Mpezeni” to the effect that the police did use tear gas to disperse Ngonis who went to attend a meeting in Chipangali of Eastern Province which was to be addressed by his Royal Highness Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking people.

Contrary to what has been reported, the truth of the matter is that the police did not at anytime discharge tear gas or use force against any person at that intended meeting. These facts can be verified from the school authorities at Dwankozi Secondary School which was the venue of the intended meeting or from people in surrounding areas.

We received information that there was a likelihood of violence erupting during the meeting and when officers went there they advised the people who had gathered to leave the premises and this was not done by use of teargas or force.

However, we would like to urge the general public that the need to notify the police whenever they want to hold a public meeting or procession is not aimed at stopping the holding of such meetings or processions but rather that it is a requirement under the Public Order Act Chapter 113 of the laws of Zambia which is a regulatory law for holding such events.

ESTHER MWAATA- KATONGO

ACTING POLICE SPOKESPERSON

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