ARMY DEPLOYED AS TENSION GRIPS KITWE CBD
By Raphael Mulenga
Zambia Army and Zambia National Service personnel have been deployed to Kitwe’s central business district following confusion at Oxford Bus Station, where bus drivers are reportedly opposed to the current leadership.
Three army trucks have been seen ferrying troops into the CBD, with the security personnel deployed alongside the Zambia Police Service as authorities move to contain the situation.
The unrest has brought business activities in the city centre to a standstill, with several shops closing their doors amid heightened tension.
Among the businesses that have closed are multinational chain stores including Shoprite, Choppies, Pick n Pay, Hungry Lion Town centre and KFC.
Local businesses, including Termites butchery and Zambeef, have also closed as the situation remains tense
A driver who spoke to Phoenix News on condition of anonymity says the confusion is believed to stem from a leadership dispute among suspected UPND cadres at the market, with some members demanding a change after accusing those who have served for the past five years of being stingy.
Meanwhile, Kitwe District Commissioner Oncemore Ngonomo has assured businesses that the situation will soon return to normal, saying authorities have already identified those behind the fracas and will deal with them.
PHOENIX NEWS