POST-ELECTION CELEBRATIONS MARRED BY VANDALISM AND LOOTING IN LIVINGSTONE
By Gabriel Josias Muuba
Several businesses in Livingstone, southern Zambia, have been vandalised and looted amid celebrations following the United Party for National Development (UPND) presidential victory.
Boutiques and shops selling mobile phones and accessories in the city centre were among those targeted, with property reportedly damaged and goods stolen.
Although police have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, local sources say individuals took advantage of the celebrations to break into businesses and steal merchandise.
Affected business owners have described the damage as devastating, saying the losses have left them facing severe financial difficulties.
Livingstone Mayor-elect Bright Hanakamba and Akapelwa Ward Councillor-elect Mercy Banda visited some of the affected businesses and condemned the vandalism.
The two leaders distanced their supporters from the incidents and called on law-enforcement authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.