The Zambia Army has dismissed Platoon Commander Lieutenant Japhet Banda and charged several soldiers after a video showing troops flogging an apprehended illegal miner in North-Western Province resurfaced on social media.
Action Already Taken When Incident Occurred
Zambia Army Spokesperson Colonel Sydney Mwewa confirmed that the soldiers seen in the clip were positively identified as belonging to the Zambia Army, and said disciplinary action had been taken immediately when the incident originally occurred. The soldiers involved were charged, and Lieutenant Japhet Banda, who was responsible for the troops at the time, was dismissed from the Army.
The Army expressed regret that the public only learned of the matter after internal disciplinary action had already concluded, following the video’s resurfacing online.
A Firm Stance on Discipline
Colonel Mwewa said the conduct captured in the video runs contrary to military values, stating that the Zambia Army does not condone indiscipline in any form and that such behaviour goes against the professionalism, discipline and respect for human dignity the institution upholds. He warned that any soldier found wanting would be dealt with firmly under the Defence Act, Chapter 106 of the Laws of Zambia, and assured the public that measures are continually reinforced to ensure soldiers’ conduct reflects the Army’s expected standards of honour and integrity.
The video had sparked public outrage online, with calls for the military to respect human rights even during operations against illegal mining, a persistent challenge in North-Western Province.
Sources: Zambia Army statement via Colonel Sydney Mwewa; article by Francis Chipalo
