By Joseph Chanda and Fulman Mukobeko
OVER 25 suspected criminals commonly known as junkies moving in groups have gone on rampage terrorizing suspected foreign owned shops in Libala South, Kamwala South and some parts of Chalala residential area in Lusaka.
A man named Alex Hakizimana, aged 30 years of Libala South behind the Water Works area was last week around 19:00 hours attacked in his shop and sustained a deep cut on his head after being hacked.
In an interview, Mr. Hakizimana said it was the third time that he had been attacked by over 25 ‘junkies’ in his shop where they got away with some goods and an undisclosed amount of money.
“As I was in my shop, I saw four people approach me and hit me on the head and others joined them. Others also started throwing stones in the shop. They grabbed some groceries and some money before they took off,” he narrated.
He appealed to the Zambia Police command to increase the number of police officers to curb criminal activities in the area.
And one of the residents identified as Musonda Bwalya of Libala South expressed concern over the recent attacks on shop owners in the area and attributed the attacks to the presence of notorious gangs junkies in the area.
Mr. Musonda also called on relevant authorities to intensify patrols in the area in order to curb such attacks.
Another resident who declined to be named said the criminals move in groups of 20 to 30 and were usually armed with stones, plunks, knives, and other weapons.
He said it was very difficult to stop them because all the time they move in huge numbers and carry assorted weapons.
And a quick response from Chilenje Police Officer-In-Charge Makayi in the company of other officers who rushed to the scene found the criminals had bolted.
Mr. Makayi further said the report of increased crime around Libala South and some parts of Chalala area was noted and that police patrols would be increased.
He has since warned the Junkies and all who would be culprits that police will deal with them severely.
He called on members of the public to form neighbourhood groups to work hand in hand with the police to fight crime.
“With the limited human resources, we will do everything possible in our power to increase police patrols in the affected areas,” Mr. Makayi said.
He further said that it would be good if people in the affected areas could team up with the police to curb the situation.
And Zambia Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, assured the residents that police will intensify patrols in the area.
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