The Human Rights Commission has concerned by the persistent violation of the right to life of suspects by the Zambia Police Service.
The Commission has observed what it termed as a worrying trend of suspects being shot to death, tortured, or subjected to cruel, inhuman and other ill-treatment.
Commission Chairperson Pamela Sambo told RCV News in a statement that the Commission has been receiving and investigating numerous complaints of alleged violation of suspects’ right to life.
“This trend appears to be continuing and the Commission is, therefore, calling upon the police service command to put in place immediate remedial measures”, said Dr. Sambo.
Dr. Sambo said the recent shooting to death of four suspects at Interland PUMA filling station in Lusaka’s Libala area is also alarming.
She has urged the Zambia Police Service to stop such killings and respect the right to life of all suspects.
Dr. Sambo has also implored the police command to institute thorough investigations into all the matters so that errant police officers are held accountable for any gross violation of suspects’ human rights.
By Margaret Mwanza
