- Woodpecker's Digest As a 66-year-old Ndola resident lands in hot water after snapping a photo of police officers stationed at Divine Mercy Parish Catholic Church to keep an eye on the peaceful crowd.

As a 66-year-old Ndola resident lands in hot water after snapping a photo of police officers stationed at Divine Mercy Parish Catholic Church to keep an eye on the peaceful crowd.

By Mpandashalo Mwewa.

Ndola, June 17 – Rae Hamoonga, the Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer, has bent over backward to set the record straight. He says contrary to the headline by Radio Icengelo blaring “Police Storm Ndola Catholic Church!” on Facebook, the real scoop is that on June 16, 2024, around 2:00 PM, a squad of police officers was simply parked by the roadside near Divine Mercy Parish Catholic Church in Hillcrest, just keeping an eye on the hustle and bustle in the vicinity.

Also Read: Accountability for the Zambia Police’s incompetence rests with President Hichilema! “Woodpecker’s Digest perceives the suggestion by President Hichilema of involving the Zambia Army in maintaining law and order as a deliberate step towards distancing the country from democratic norms.”

During this period, churchgoers were streaming out of the churchyard, either hoofing it or driving off. One bold congregant, already out and about on the road, decided to play paparazzi and started snapping shots of the officers and their police vehicle.

The officers zeroed in on the individual and demanded to know why he was playing shutterbug. At first, he flat-out denied it, but a quick look at his phone spilled the beans – a photo of the officers was right there. The man, identified as 66-year-old Mr. Kamwale Phiri of House Number E3 Rehabilitation Center, Hillcrest, Ndola, was promptly whisked away to Hillcrest Police Post for a grilling.

At the police post, Mr. Phiri got a stern talking-to and was given a piece of their mind. Filled with regret, he apologized profusely and promised never to pull a stunt like that again. The incriminating photo was deleted from his phone, which was then handed back to him. Given his age and frail health, Mr. Phiri was let off the hook and allowed to go on his way.

“We want to set the record straight: the police did not storm the church, despite what the rumor mill has churned out. The officers were just doing their routine observation in the area,” Mr. Rae Hamoonga clarified emphatically. He reiterated that the Zambia Police Service is dedicated to keeping the peace and ensuring everyone’s safety. “We urge the public to stop spreading fake news and to check their facts before hitting ‘share’!”

Also Read: A man’s ambition, should never exceed his worth! “Political ambition alone is not enough to guarantee national development; it must be accompanied by the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience.”

About Our Advocacy: Woodpecker’s Digest, an online platform, provides analyses and commentaries on pertinent issues of national interest, complemented by articles focusing on personal development and and health. Journalism is a powerful tool for driving positive socio-economic change!