NORTH-EASTERN RHODESIA

The BSA Company penetrated the northern frontier of Northern Rhodesia from Blantyre, Nyasaland and the main aim of occupying the area was to halt German influence from Tanganyika and to fight slave trading by the Arabs. Before the BSA Company moved into the territory, the Imperial Commissioner of Nyasaland, Mr. H H Johnson was appointed as administrator of the Company and during this period, the Indian Police Force was raised and equipped.

An agreement was made in 1894 between the BSA and Her majesty, the Queen permitting the company to take over the administration of North-Eastern Rhodesia from the Imperial Commissioner. The BSA Company recruited its own Police Force and in 1900, the North-Eastern Order Council was passed which provided for the formation of the Police Force. The Police Force was formed and it became known as the North-Eastern Constabulary. By 1902, the number of Police officers rose to 385 and Police Station were opened in Mkushi, Kapopo, Muyanga and Feira.The Headquarters of North-Eastern Constabulary was at Fort Jameson now Chipata.

The main duty was to maintain law and order in North-Eastern Rhodesia. The Force was semi military as officers underwent training in musketry and were issued with rifles. As a rule, Police officers were not allowed to carry weapons when performing duties. The Police officers responsibility was to maintain law and order, carry out guard duties and escorting caravans.