Government Dismisses Reports of Deaths in Kalingalinga Police Operation

Government has dismissed reports alleging that several people were killed during a police operation in Kalingalinga. Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana says the Police Service has confirmed that no lives were lost during the operation. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Mr. Kawana, however, said the only injury recorded during the operation was of a girl who sustained an injury from a pellet when the police discharged tear smoke canisters to manage the crowds. He said the girl has since been discharged and recuperating well. Mr. Kawana also explained that the move by the Zambia Police was after the received reports of disturbances in Kalingalinga. He further clarified that there was no notification whatsoever about any political activity that was taking place in Kalingalinga stressing that National Reconstruction Party for Unity and Prosperity NRPUP had indicated to the police that they would hold one rally at the National Heroes Stadium on July 16 and not in Kalingalinga . Mr Kawana said the notification did not include any programme in Kalingalinga or Mtendere. And, Mr Kawana has assured that the law enforcement agencies are thoroughly investigating the reported violence in Libala. He said cases under investigation include assault occasioning actual bodily harm, malicious damage to property, aggravated robbery and unlawful wounding. #Kalingalinga #ThaboKawana #ZambiaPolice #NRPUP #LibalaViolence #ZNBCNews