Number 61                                                             February     2004
LRF Condemn Searching Of Commuters By Police
By Perpetual Sichikwenkwe
The Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) has condemned the alleged searching and confiscating of K83, 500 from a Mtendere commuter.
The money was allegedly lost by another passenger.
LRF Mtendere paralegal James Lumbwe said the conduct by Kulima Tower police post officers towards Cephas Phiri and other passengers was unfair and uncalled for.
Phiri said on January 19, 2004 he was traveling in a mini bus from Mtendere to town, and between Civic Center and Seventh Day Adventist church headquarters, he claimed, the mini bus driver stopped and picked up some money, which was scattered on the road. Phiri said as the driver was picking up the money, a car pulled in front of the minibus and a woman who was a passenger demanded for the money from the driver claiming it blew through the widow.
After she was given the money by the driver, the woman claimed the money was less than the amount she had and demanded that all passengers on the bus be searched, a suggestion which was rejected by the commuters. She however did not disclose how much she had.
The minibus later proceeded to Kulima Tower bus stop where passengers were searched by some Kulima Tower police officers as they were coming out of the bus.
Phiri said the officer who searched him found K83, 500 in his pocket, which he grabbed and charged him with theft. He said he was later taken to COMESA police post where he was detained for four days.
Phiri said he was released on January 24, 2004 for lack of evidence.
When he asked for his K83, 500, the police threatened to lock him up.
He is seeking compensation for false imprisonment and refund of his K83, 500 from the arresting officer. When contacted, a police officer found at Kulima Tower police post said there was no record relating to the case.
LRF is still pursuing the matter.