By LYNETTE KIL
PARLIAMENT will decide on an extension of SoE (State of Emergency) after the 14-days SoE officially ends on the 24 January.
Acting Police Commissioner and SoE controller Donald Yamasombi outlined these during the FM 100 Talk Back Show this morning.
When questioned if there would be an extension to the SoE, Yamasombi said it was not for police to decide on the extension.
“The SoE as declared, is only for 14-days only in the city, for it to be extended it has to go through the parliament,” he clarified.
He added: “Seeing the overall progress of things I believe normalcy has return, our people (disciplinary forces) have taken on board the responsibility and brought back normalcy.
“Shops, bank, PMV buses are operating, as much as possible our people, our man and woman, security forces are out there maintaining confidence and normalcy,” says Yamasombi.
He further stated that two separate investigations were concurrently underway – one on the alleged technical Glitch in the Finance Department and the other is a separate police investigation into the protest.
“One (Investigation) is conducted from the chief secretary office (Prime Minister) looking at all the government agencies,” Yamasombi said.
“For the police, we have two investigations running parallel, one is the conduct of the police men and women at that time (protest), the disciplinary angle – where Internal Investigation Directorate is heading – and the other is Criminal Investigation.”
Meanwhile, Yamasombi said they were able to bring a total of 400 police personnel including the military, to control the situation.
A budget has been set for the SoE, however Yamasombi did not disclose the figure but assured that some funds would be exhausted this week to cater for the expense of the operation.
During the protest, a total of 15 deaths were reported, nine died from burnt beyond recognition and six from injuries sustained during the looting.
Reports of alleged sexual assaults during the looting spree is yet to reach the office of the police.
PC: DICT
