By CHILA NAMAIKO  –
EIGHT people in Mazabuka have been arrested following a riot on Wednesday evening which erupted after a police officer allegedly beat a street vendor, who later died at his home.
The officer, identified as Constable Lovemore Daka, has since been remanded in police custody and charged with murder.
Robinson Chitalu, 37, of house number 493, Mulonga Extension, was found dead by neighbours at his residence on Wednesday morning after complaining of being unwell.
His death sparked the riot which started the same day around 18:00 hours, and the residents continued rioting yesterday by blocking major roads in the town centre.
Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe, who rushed to Mazabuka with provincial police chief, Mary Chikwanda, confirmed the death of Mr Chitalu.
The unruly residents, mostly youths, blocked the Mazabuka-Lusaka Road with heavy stones and other objects and denied motorists access to various roads in the district.
Police in riot gear fired teargas canisters to disperse the rioters near Zambia Township, who retaliated by throwing stones at the officers.
The irate residents attempted to grab goods from a foreign truck, which had broken down on a road near the district hospital and set the trailer on fire.
However, quick action by police, who surrounded the truck, prevented it from being burnt.
After being beaten by the police officer, Mr Chitalu went back home and complained to his landlord that he was not feeling well.
He was found dead in his house in the early hours of Wednesday.
“The officer has been arrested and charged with murder. We have so far arrested eight people in connection with the riotous behaviour,” Ms Chikwanda said.
She said police had managed to recover looted goods from various shops valued at K48,000.
She said the officers would continue patrolling the town centre to ensure order was restored.
By mid-day yesterday, some residents were still fighting battles with police.
Mr Munkombwe directed police officers to refrain from using maximum force on civilians.
He warned at a Press briefing in Mazabuka that Government would not tolerate unprofessional conduct by the officers.
The minister, who appealed to the residents to remain calm and allow the police to handle the matter, praised Mazabuka Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo for his efforts in stopping the riot.