THE NOTORIOUS TOWN IN ZAMBIA – CHINGOLA .
By Ackinel Musonda
Chingola, a town already reeling from its notorious reputation, has once again made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The violent protest by Jerabos, small-scale miners, has left many in shock and concern.
The image of President Hakainde Hichilema being forced to abandon his address at Chiwempala market due to stone-throwing protesters is a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues plaguing the town.
The root cause of the protest, the Senseli mine dispute, highlights the struggles faced by small-scale miners in Zambia. The government’s clarification that the mine remains under private ownership has fallen on deaf ears, with the Jerabos feeling marginalized and ignored. The situation is a perfect example of how unresolved issues can escalate into violence, affecting innocent civilians and local businesses.
The sobbing woman’s words, “We are not involved in the conflict over the Sensele pit, but look—they have taken our chickens that we were selling,” echo the sentiments of many residents who are caught in the crossfire.
The government’s response, urging calm and promoting legal and safe mining practices, is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues.
Chingola’s reputation as a hotbed of violence and unrest is not undeserved, but it’s time for change. The people of Chiwempala and Chingola deserve better.
It’s time for dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution to these conflicts. The Jerabos, the government, and all stakeholders must come together to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.
The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with collective effort and a willingness to listen, Chingola can shed its notorious reputation and become a beacon of hope and prosperity for all Zambians.
It’s just criminality organised by the Jerabos in cahoots with the opposition. These are likely the guys behind the burning of the market. Arrest them and have them jailed for a very long time. They don’t start for anything at all but want to do as they like.
Here you are again James burying your head in the sand saying everything is ok, it’s just the jerabos in cahoots with the opposition. Wake up man and face the truth. This is exactly what your own man “Fimbo Poke” warned UPND about and he was called names. Wait until you make history by being the only political party in Zambia to serve 1 term and then you will wake up from your slumber. Things are not well in the country and what happened in Chingola is unprecedented and it is just the beginning. I rest my case.
It is important to evaluate the record of the previous government honestly. When you say things are not ok. Were they ok before? Ignoring the challenges or pretending that everything was satisfactory would be unwise. We must confront the realities rather than “bury our heads in the sand.”
There is genuine concern regarding the influence and potential power of the Jerabos. If this group is permitted to gain significant control, there is a real risk that they could evolve into a militia. This outcome is not without precedent; a similar situation has developed in Eastern DRC, serving as a warning of what could happen if decisive action is not taken.
True leadership sometimes requires making difficult decisions, even when those choices may be unpopular in the short term. However, it is these very decisions that ultimately benefit future generations. Leaders must be willing to prioritize the greater good, accepting temporary criticism in exchange for long-term stability and progress.
In this context, the decision to prevent the Jerabos from accessing the Sensele pit is justified. This action is necessary for the safety and well-being of the community. The people of Chingola must
Ba Swiss Knife, you are absolutely right. These Jerabos should not be handled with kid gloves or they will mature into organised criminal gangs. During the MMD and PF eras, the Jerabos were so powerful they became a law unto themselves. The police were on their payroll.They could stop in the middle of the road and nobody would dare reprimand them.
The Jerabos in Chingola are trying to intimidate the government and the community and if they get away with it, they will be emboldened to do worse. The junkies should be seen in a similar light.
This incident should not be taken lightly.