INSPECTOR General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has cancelled all forms of leave for officers this festive season to increase capacity for prevention of crime across the country.

And Kanganja says the Zambia Police Service has managed to further reduce incidences of crime this year.

In an end of year message, Kanganja said the decision to cancel leave for all officers was aimed at achieving the institution’s objective of carrying out successful crime prevention activities.

“We have also embarked on joint operations with all our stakeholders in enforcement of road traffic rules and regulations so as to ensure utmost safety on our roads. I urge all motorists to observe road traffic rules and regulations in order to avoid preventable accidents and loss of life,” Kanganja said.
“We will continue bringing sanity on our roads by conducting snap checks in strategic areas with a view of monitoring and promoting compliance with the provisions of the road traffic Act. On behalf of the Zambia Police Service, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Crime-Free 2018.”

And Kanganja said crime prevention was a collective responsibility which required concerted effort from all sections of society, beginning from an individual level.

“As we come to the close of the year 2017, I wish to thank members of the public for their unwavering support rendered to the Zambia Police in combating crime during this ending year,” Kanganja said. “I wish to announce that with the continued support received from the general public and dedication of our officers, the Zambia Police have yet again managed to further reduce incidences of crime this year.”

He said statistically, from the first to the third quarter of 2017, the country recorded 44,555 criminal cases compared to last year during the same period where 44,771 criminal cases were recorded, representing a reduction by 216 cases or 0.48 per cent.

Kanganja said for the status quo to be sustained, there was need for continued collaboration between the police and the general public as it was not disputable that crime affected everyone irrespective of status in society.

He said as the festive season approached where most of the people were in a celebratory mood, there was need to be vigilant because it was during such periods that criminals also found opportunities to attack and steal from unsuspecting members of the public.

“I also call upon management at shopping malls and banks to put in place enough security measures at their business centres so as to guarantee the security of their clients. Members of the public should also consider their personal security as paramount by ensuring that they secure their properties and avoid exposing valuables and personal effects that may attract the attention of criminals,” Kanganja said.

He said those making cash transactions involving huge sums of money should do so from secured areas as these had potential to attract the attention of criminals.

“Be security conscious and mindful of suspicious looking people idling at such places and report them to the nearest police or bank personnel. To ensure that people celebrate their festivities in a more favourable and crime-free environment, the Zambia Police have put in place stringent and adequate security measures throughout the country. All provincial commanders have adequately planned for this festive period in their respective provinces and have deployed enough police officers to conduct both foot and motorised patrols in all crime prone areas,” said Kanganja.