Zambia police chief assures of peace

The head of the Zambia police on Thursday assured of continued peace and that most parts of the country were peaceful despite riots seen in some areas in the wake of disputed elections.

Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Kakoma Kanganja said the police were handling the security matters in the country and that the overall situation was calm and peaceful.

Riots erupted in opposition strongholds after the country's electoral body announced incumbent President Edgar Lungu winner of the August 11 election.

Supporters of the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) rioted in southern, western and northwestern Zambia in which they destroyed property and set houses and stalls belonging to ruling party supporters on fire. Over 150 opposition supporters were arrested.

Kanganja added that the police were still conducting patrols and urged people to go about with their daily activities without any fear or intimidation.

"We would like to inform members of the public that the general security situation in the country is calm and peaceful and as Zambia Police, we will continue to maintain law and order to sustain the peace that the country has been enjoying," he said in a statement.

The police have since warned people perpetrating violence, especially in the southern part of the country, to stop or face the wrath of the law, adding that the police will not condone any acts of lawlessness in the post-election period.

The main opposition party has disputed the presidential election results, alleging fraud and malpractices and intends to petition the outcome in the Constitutional Court. Endit