By ALEX NJOVU
POLICE in Kitwe have arrested seven people after Zambian traders and their Tanzanian counterparts at Kitwe ’s Chisokone market exchanged blows over alleged unfair pricing of merchandise.
The punch-up was sparked by accusations that foreigners are selling their goods cheaply, disadvantaging their Zambian counterparts.
Some rioters tried to loot shops after Zambian traders accused their Tanzanian colleagues of unfair business practices.
The Tanzanians are alleged to be pegging their products at lower prices, resulting in the Zambians losing business.
Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama and Zambia National Marketeers Association (ZANAMA) national committee member William Mambwe confirmed the fracas in separate interviews in Kitwe on March 21.
“We have arrested seven Zambians who took the law into their own hands and started harassing their brothers and sisters from Tanzania at Chisokone market. There was no need to start fighting their colleagues when they could have engaged each other in dialogue,” he said.
Dr Malama said the seven suspects will be charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
He said the riot started at about 11:00 hours, bringing business at the teeming Chisokone market to a standstill.
He said the riot started at about 11:00 hours, bringing business at the teeming Chisokone market to a standstill.
“Most people closed their shops for fear of being caught up in the fracas. The confusion stopped after the police moved in to control the situation,” Dr Malama said.
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