*”Red-eyed” criminals terrorize Mtendere residents*

By Francis Chipalo

Residents in Lusaka’s Mtendere East compound and surrounding areas have continued living in fear due to increased criminal activities by suspected junkies.

The residents have complained that they are being attacked by “red-eyed” and “black – shinned” lip – looking youths even during day time.

The criminals are said to be “high” of suspected drugs most of the time which makes them have weird looks according to victims.

One resident who sought police help during a phone-in program on Millennium radio dubbed “I-heard” segment claimed that the situation was getting out of hand.

The caller complained that people get attacked by youths in an area between Mtendere East and the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC).

He disclosed that the criminal gangs target cell phones and handbags from victims.

“Once they snatch the items they run into the bush in NRDC and disappear just like that and a lot of people have lost their items to these criminals. We get attacked even during day time,” he stated.

Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga acknowledged the alert from community members.

The residents have in the recent past expressed concern over increased criminal activities in Mtendere, Kalikiliki and nearby areas.