Inspector General of Police says investigations in the shooting that happened in Lusaka as police tried to disperse United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters that gathered to show solidarity to the party leader who appeared for questioning at the Police Headquarters have been instituted.
According to a statement, Kakoma Kanganja said this is to establish circumstances in which the two victims were shot.
Inspector General Kanganja explained that the police shall wait for forensic examinations so as to ascertain what type of firearm was used in the shooting and the public shall be informed on the findings and way forward.
“Investigations in the shooting have been instituted to establish the circumstances in which the two victims were shot. We shall wait for forensic examinations so as to ascertain what type of firearm was used and the public shall be informed on the findings and way forward.”
He has since appealed to members of the public to remain calm during this period and should not take the law into their own hands.
Kanganja noted that police summoned Mr. Hakainde Hichilema to Police Service Headquarters for an interview and prior to his appearing, the police as well as the Minister of Home Affairs had advised people to stay away to avoid break down in law and order.
“Prior to his appearing, police as well as the minister of home affairs had advised people to stay away to avoid break down in law and order,” the IG said.
“However, this morning as Mr. Hichilema was coming to police headquarters, he was being escorted by a huge crowd which was dispersed by police officers from cabinet office area on Independence Avenue, High Court and other notable areas such as Civic Center.”
Kanganja says unfortunately Hichilema went to Police Headquarters, while escorted by huge crowds which were dispersed by police officers from Cabinet Office.
Two people were reported to have been shot dead by police in unknown circumstances after police fired shorts to disperse UPND supporters that gathered to show solidarity to Hichilema who appeared for questioning at the police Headquarters this morning.