Kanyama anti-govt riots extend to Lusaka central trading area and Misisi Compound

By Staff Reporter

THE riot that started in Lusaka’s curfew-affected Kanyama high-density residential area this morning has now extended to the capital’s central business area and the neighbouring Misisi Compound, with most residents leaving the trading area in fear of getting caught in the fracas.

Some residents spoken to said minibuses drivers who were transporting people from Kulima Tower Bus Station, situated in the second class area of the central business area, had to resort to unorthodox routes and back alley roads to get away from the rumpus.

“The situation is bad. I boarded a Matero-Lilanda bus and the minibus driver was driving very fast from town because of the riot from Kanyama that was now in the town centre. Our bus had to connect to Matero using the Villa Elizabetha roads and I was dropped somewhere there and not Philips, which is my usual drop off point,” she said.

The sound of teargas canisters being fired by police officers in the central business areas could be heard about three to four kilometres away in the light industrial area slightly after noon.

According to images posted on social media, residents affected by measures imposed by the government meant to contain the deadly cholera outbreak that has so far claimed over 60 lives in the Zambian capital, also burnt a garbage collection truck that was provided to combat the cholera situation in Kanyama, which has been identified as the epicentre.

Vendors forced out of the streets found themselves at a school grounds in Chinika area of Kanyama Compound, and the riots were sparked when an attempt was made to close down an ‘illegal’ market in the predominantly shanty compound.

The government of President Edgar Lungu recently deployed defence personnel on the streets of Lusaka to clear off street vendors, seen as a key driver in the spread of the cholera epidemic, in and around the central business area, a move that has triggered intense public discontent.

One affected vendor who has since started hawking along Cairo Road after his stall was demolished in the anti-cholera exercise was heard saying: “You cannot have such a heartless leader”.