…calls on Chief Museli to reconsider reversing Kisasa market shutdown
KWAMANA Peace Campaign has commended the Zambia Police service for arresting over 250 suspects allegedly involved in the mob justice that led to the death of Eneless Kamutumbe.
46-year-old woman, Eneless Hellen Kamutumbe, was brutally killed by a mob who accused her of causing a man’s private parts to disappear. The incident occurred at Kisasa market in Kalumbila, North – Western province.
Despite police efforts to rescue Kamutumbe, the mob attacked, using sticks, stones, and other objects leading to her death.Police has so far arrested over 250 suspects including the man who accused the deceased.
Commenting on the development in a statement, KWAMANA Peace Campaign, group lead, Francis Chipalo says the police should be commanded for apprehending such a huge number of suspects in a short period of time.
Chipalo has also urged the police to ensure that the suspects are taken to court quickly to ensure that justice is delivered without delay.
“As a campaign that champions peace, promotes love and unity, we say kudos to the Zambia Police for a job well done thus far,” Chipalo said.
Meanwhile, Chipalo has also appealed to the police to do more community sensitisation to raise awareness against such behaviours.
“Whilst condemning the act that led to the death of an innocent person, we have also taken note that some suspects involved are young people who might have participated in the act out of ignorance and would probably need counselling,” he said.
Chipalo added; “Whilst acknowledging that ignorance is no defense, we appeal to the public to desist from cyber – bullying of certain suspects and allow the police do its job in accordance with the law”.
Chipalo has since conveyed heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and appealed to them to remain peaceful amid police investigations.
Meanwhile, Chipalo has appealed to Senior Chief Museli to reconsider reversing his earlier decision of shutting down Kisasa market for two months. The market has a thousand plus traders conducting various businesses.
“We understand that part of the market is a crime scene and should be marked as such to peve way for police investigations, but we are of the view that shutting down the entire market for two months will likely lead to another community problem in the area. We need peace to remain in our communities despite unfortunate incidents like this case,” Chipalo added.
Chief Museli ordered that the market be closed for 60 day, citing the community’s failure to protect the woman.
The chief explained that the market’s closure aims to allow police to investigate and apprehend all suspects involved.
Calm has however been restored in the area following massive arrests of suspects linked to the death of Kamutumbe.
