On 30th January 2026, Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalunga paid a courtesy call on the Zambia Police Service Deputy Inspector-General (Administration), Ms. Charity Munganga.
The courtesy visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Commission and the Police in the promotion and protection of human rights in Zambia.
Dr. Kalunga was accompanied by Commissioner Panic Malawo Chilufya, Commissioner Laura Mary Miti, Commissioner Father Joel Komakoma and members of the Secretariat led by Director General, Ms. Mbololwa Wamunyima.
During the engagement at Zambia Police Service Headquarters in Lusaka, Dr. Kalunga expressed concern over continued reports of alleged extra-judicial killings involving police officers, noting that the abolition of the death penalty reinforced the State’s duty to protect the right to life.
Dr. Kalunga stated that the Commission was also concerned about reports of torture and ill-treatment of suspects, including deaths in custody, attributed to the police.
She disclosed that in 2025 alone, the Commission handled fifty-one (51) complaints of alleged torture of suspects by law enforcement officers, a trend that needed to be reversed.
She also raised concerns on over-detention of suspects and the detention of child offenders by the police contrary to the provisions of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.
The Deputy Inspector-General (Administration), Ms. Charity Munganga reaffirmed the Zambia Police’s commitment to upholding the Constitution, respecting human rights and ensuring accountability within the Service.
Ms. Munganga stated that the Service takes allegations of police misconduct very seriously. She pointed out that the Police Service was ready to work with the Commission to address human rights concerns arising from the misconduct of its officers.
She appealed to the Commission to also look at enhancing protection of the rights of police officers, saying “police officers are also human beings who need protection.”
The Commission and the Police Service looked forward to improved collaboration and information sharing to enhance implementation of their respective mandates relating to protection and upholding of the Bill of Rights.
