By KASONDE KASONDE –
A KAFUE District Council fire fighter has been arrested for setting ablaze a fire tender during riots that erupted on New Year’s Day.
Lusaka Province police chief Charity Katanga said Gibson Chiyala, 25, an employee of the council acting together with three others set ablaze the fire tender during the riots.
Those arrested along with Chiyala were Paul Nyangu, 19, Kennedy Simwinga, 19, and Paul Mangunja, 35, all of unknown residences.
“I can confirm that we have in our custody Chilaya an employee of the Kafue council and three other people in connection with the riots that left several vehicles damaged and a fire tender burnt,” Ms Katanga said.
She said the four were arrested on Tuesday, this week and charged with arson involving the fire tender worth K2 million and with riotous behavior.
Ms Katanga said the four were in police custody and would appear in court soon.
The residents of Kafue rioted after a police officer’s vehicle ran over a woman.
The angry residents took to the streets, destroying two police posts, damaging vehicles and setting ablaze a fire tender.
Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja described the riots as politically motivated considering the amount of destruction and violence that was displayed.
