YOUTHS AND POLICE CLASH OVER THE SHOT CROCODILES IN KITWE
POLICE officers in Kitwe were last night stoned by a group of unruly youths in Kitwe who caused confusion on the road after they decided to take a dead crocodile to the ZNBC Kitwe studios.
Two crocodiles have been shot dead in the Kafue River by officers from Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) after the reptiles killed a Kitwe woman and a dog a few days ago.
The crocodiles that were shot are about 2.5 and 3.5 meters long.
Copperbelt Province Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba said one crocodile was shot dead yesterday around 20:00 hours and after the shooting it was retrieved from the water and taken to Mufuchani Police Post.
He said shortly some youths grouped with plans to take the crocodile to ZNBC but were stopped by the police.
Mr Mweemba said the police officers who rushed to the scene were stoned by the youths before they managed to get back the crocodile.
“Some youths took advantage of the situation and they got the crocodile and started marching towards ZNBC studios disrupting the flow of traffic and public order. Police officers rushed there and they were stoned. However, officers managed to get back the crocodile much to the annoyance of the unruly youths. No injuries or damage to public property was caused during the impasse. The situation is now calm and the reptile is kept at Riverside Police Station for safe custody, “he said.
He also said the second crocodile was shot dead between 02:00 hrs and 04:30 hours in Chikwepe area of Chipata compound.
Mr Mweemba said when officers went to pick the crocodile they were stoned forcing them to discharge teargas.
“The youths threw stones at the officers for unknown reasons forcing them to discharge some tear smokes. However the situation is under control and no injuries were sustained from both camps, “he said.
