JCTR Preaches Enhanced Police Public Order Act knowledge

By Tendai Posiana

JCTR Executive Director Father Emmanuel Mumba Wednesday 4 October 2017 pix by Derrick Sinjela

JESUIT Centre for Theological Reflections (JCTR) Executive Director Father Emmanuel Mumba is preaching a need to conduct training of police officers on human rights and in depth Public Order Act (POA) knowledge. Father Mumba believes engagement and enhanced awareness on POA provision will facilitate fairer enforcement. Father Mumba said building capacity among police officers will enhance democratic good governance in Zambia. Officially opening a Thursday 5th October 2017 JCTR Meeting with Political Parties in Lusaka, Father Mumba encouraged political parties to carefully study the Public Order Act for them to have a common understanding.

Father Mumba implored political parties and Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) to diligently collaborate as shared ideas on the gaps that will strengthen the Public Order Act and invariably facilitate good democratic governance of Zambia. The Public Order Act has been one of the most contentious topical piece of legislation both in its content and implementation in Zambia. Father Mumba said both the police, political parties and all concerned citizens must study the act to avoid crying foul once found wanting.

“Political parties must have a driving force when it comes to review the Public Order Act and make meaningful submissions. We need to show willingness to facilitate amendments of the provision in the act. On his part, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) National Secretary Nathan Mulonga commended JCTR for taking a lead in building political parties understanding on the submissions and provisions of the public order act. Mr. Mulonga urged JCTR to intensify political party’s engagement with Zambia Police Service in order to provide effective checks and balances and common interests.

FDD President Edith Zewelani Nawakwi with her Spokesperson Antonio Mourinho Mwanza

FDD Spokesperson Antonio Mourinho Mwanza

And Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) National Secretary Rapheal Nakacinda pledged political parties participation in the JCTR POA reform process through the Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue.

Australian Govornor general Quentin Bryce dancing with MMD cadres at Lusaka international airport as President Rupiah Banda watches.

And JCTR Faith and Justice Programme Officer Llyod Bwalya urged political parties to ensure that they mobilize members to actively participate in the awareness meetings.

JCTR people Tendai Posiana with Lloyd K Bwalya

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu with Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba in South Africa