The mayor of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, Miles Sampa, has withdrawn a Facebook post showing him brandishing a gun and wearing a holster.

Under the photos he had written: “This is how I will be reporting for field and office work. In case the police delay in protecting me, I am equal to the task.”

Some people on Twitter captured a screenshot of the post before its deletion:

Mr Sampa told the BBC’s Focus on Africa radio programme that his decision to carry a gun came after he was recently attacked by thugs angered by his campaign to crack down on those who illegally sell plots of land and flout building regulations.

He had gone to a construction site and ordered a company to stop work until it had provided documentation that it had the right to build there.

On his return to the office, he says he was followed by a vehicle with about 20 youths representing those interested in the plot of land, who then threatened to kill him.

The mayor defended the decision to arm himself, telling the BBC:

If I’m threatened I believe I have the right to protect myself.”

He added that he would also be going to the gym to make sure he was fit enough to take on any would-be assailants.

I will seek police protection if it’s not there, I will defend myself by any means necessary. I have children; they don’t want their father to die.”