CHILD INJURY SPARKS OUTCRY

NGOCC demands police accountability after tear gas fired during political gathering leaves girl injured

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka,  Zambia24  -- July 21, 2026 — The Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has demanded accountability from the Zambia Police following an incident in Kalingalinga where a young girl was injured after officers fired tear gas at supporters of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP).

NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe described the police action as overzealous, warning that the use of force in residential areas could endanger vulnerable members of communities.

"The incident, which resulted in the discharge of tear gas and the injury of a young girl, is deeply troubling," Ms. Katebe said.

She said the Zambia Police Service must prioritise the safety of citizens, particularly women and children, during operations.

"Zambia Police must prioritise the safety and protection of all citizens, especially women and children, who bear the heaviest cost when policing actions place communities in danger," Ms. Katebe said.

Ms. Katebe said the deployment of tear gas in densely populated residential areas creates risks for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

"The deployment of tear gas in a densely populated residential area disproportionately endangers women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities who cannot easily flee such environments," she said.

She said the injury of a child during a political operation should not be dismissed as an unavoidable consequence of maintaining order.

"That an innocent child was caught in this crossfire is unacceptable and must not be normalised as collateral damage of election-season policing," Ms. Katebe said.

With Zambia preparing for the 13th August 2026 General Elections, Ms. Katebe urged police officers to exercise restraint when managing political gatherings.

"NGOCC calls upon the Zambia Police Service to exercise maximum restraint as officers execute their mandate to maintain law and order during this electoral period," she said.

She said law enforcement officers should ensure that crowd management measures are guided by proportionality.

"Crowd management must be guided by proportionality, and force must never be the default response to peaceful political activity," Ms. Katebe said.

NGOCC has also called for a full investigation into the Kalingalinga incident, demanding that those found responsible face appropriate action.

"We demand a prompt, transparent and independent investigation into this incident, with the officer(s) responsible for the child's injury held accountable through appropriate disciplinary and, where warranted, legal processes," Ms. Katebe said.

She said accountability was necessary to prevent similar incidents during the election period.

"Accountability is essential not only for justice in this case, but to deter future harm to women and children during political gatherings," she said.

Ms. Katebe said NGOCC remains committed to promoting a peaceful and inclusive electoral environment ahead of the August polls.

"NGOCC reiterates its call for a safe, peaceful and gender-responsive electoral environment ahead of the 13th August 2026 General Elections, one in which the safety of every citizen, particularly women and children, is guaranteed regardless of political affiliation," she said.