The United States (US) has welcomed the appointment of new leadership to the Zambia Police Service by President Hakainde Hichilema. The US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Phil Dimon issued a statement on Sunday, praising the move as an opportunity to reinforce impartiality in the application of the rule of law. The statement further emphasised the need to uphold public safety, constitutional rights and freedoms, and accountability for criminal offences.
The US Embassy Public Affairs Officer indicated that the new leadership can engender public trust by redoubling responsiveness to society’s need for security. The new leadership is expected to counter violent ‘cadreism’, end traffic police solicitation of bribes, and fight corruption broadly within its ranks.
On April 14, 2023, President Hakainde Hichilema made significant changes to his government, including the appointment of eight new Permanent Secretaries and the termination of four Permanent Secretaries’ contracts. The former Inspector General of Police, Lemmy Kajoba, was relieved of his duties, and Graphel Musamba was appointed as the new Inspector General of Police. Similarly, Deputy Inspector of Police Doris Nayame was relieved of her duties, pending redeployment, and Alita Mbahwe was appointed as the new Deputy Inspector General of Police Administration.
Yvonne Mpundu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, has been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture as Permanent Secretary, Administration.
The new appointments are expected to reinforce accountability and transparency within the Zambia Police Service, thereby building public confidence in the institution. According to President Hichilema, the move is a commitment to upholding the rule of law and delivering on his campaign promises.
