Four police officers in Sesheke, among them senior superintendent Shapa Wakunguma, have been retired in national interest for unprofessional conduct during the just-ended parliamentary by-election. Those are retired Mr Wakunguma, who is Sesheke police officer commanding, and his deputy Fleming Chilongo.

Others are assistant officerin-charge Boniface Lengwe and constable Frederick Mukela. Police spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed the retirement of the officers but said Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo will issue a comprehensive ministerial statement on the matter in Parliament this week. “Disciplinary action has been taken against some officers involved in policing the Sesheke by-election,” she said.

Last week, Sesheke descended into violence as cadres from the ruling Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development clashed. The clashes also sucked in police, who allegedly brutalised the cadres, leaving 14 PF members in hospital. The cadres, who sustained bruises during the scuffle, were allegedly beaten after they took a UPND supporter to police for allegedly distributing money to voters in Mahondo

Police Kakoma Kanganja warned that any police officer who took part in brutalising political party cadres in Sesheke would be disciplined. The Human Rights Commission also condemned police for excessive use of force to respond to perceived or actual threat to breach of the peace by both PF and UPND cadres.

While the PF won all the seven local government seats in last Tuesday’s elections, the UPND retained the Sesheke Central parliamentary seat under Romeo Kangombe. Meanwhile, Mr Kampyongo has urged Members of Parliament to complement Government’s effort in developing their constituencies by spearheading community-based projects. He said Government has a responsibility to deliver development to all parts of the country but it cannot do it alone because of limited resources.

Mr Kampyongo said the ministry is ready to support initiatives aimed at cushioning government finances and offering better services to the people. He said this yesterday after touring the construction of Kanyama Police Station which has been supported by community members with the help of MP Elizabeth Phiri. “Kanyama residents must be commended for putting up a good structure like this one.

Such projects help Government channel resources to under-developed areas,” he said. Ms Phiri said the project, which cost K4 million, will be completed and handed over to Government by June this year. She said once operational, the station will reduce crime levels in the area. And Bwana Mkubwa MP Jonas Chanda, who was part of the entourage, commended Ms Phiri for the initiative and said he will emulate her