Africa-Press – Zambia. GEARS Initiative has commended the Zambia Police Service in Petauke district for granting police bond to the PF candidate for the Lusangazi District chairperson by-election after charging him with the offense of personation of a person.
Police yesterday arrested Patrick Banda, a PF candidate for Lusangazi District Council Chairperson By-Election in Petauke for alleged use of a Grade Twelve School Certificate which did not belong to him to file in nominations for the forthcoming by-elections.
Mr. Banda who was remanded in Police custody was yesterday released on police bond pending his appearance in court. GEARS Initiative Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi says the granting of police bond to political arch-rival of a ruling party during campaigns and on a weekend is an unprecedented act by the police which must be commended and encouraged at all times.
He said in the past, such political detainees would spend nights in Police cells, denied bond, and delayed being presented before the courts for the possible plea.
