Juveniles among Covid-19 rioters
Written by Millennium on July 27, 2020
MULENGA MUSONDA writes
SEVEN people, among them 3 juveniles, are appearing in the NakondeMagistrates Court for taking part in the riots that culminated the Border Town following the directive to lockdown the district due to Covid-19 health guidelines.
Appearing before Magistrate Litungi Litungi were Remmy Chimena, John Mwape , 3 Juveniles and another male adult who are charged with riotus behaviour contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
Allegations are that the 7 jointly and whilst acting together took part in the riot and burnt a Police Post on 20th May 2020 in Nakonde.
The riots were ignited after the Ministry of Health acting under the directives of the President locked down the district in order to stop the further spread of the Corona Virus.
When the matter came up for continued trial before Court, NakondeAssistant Superintendent Elias Mwalula testified that on the date in question around 11:00hrs, Police received intelligence information that some members of the public in Ntindi and Katozi Township’s were armed with all sorts of weapons and had become unruly following the Town’s lockdown.
After a Team of officers rushed to the scene, the unruly residents were chanting” we are hungry and we don’t want the lockdown to continue.”
He said warning shots were fired which saw one person injured.
The shots were fired after efforts to disperse the unruly residents proved futile.
He went on to testify that the incensed mob burnt tyres and torched a Police Post in the area.
The matter will continue on 31st July 2020 for more witness testimonies.
John Mwale was remanded in custody while his 6 co accused continued to remain on bail.