KAMANGA.
GOVERNMENT has condemned a gang of copper thieves, commonly known as Jerabos, who beat up and harassed Kitwe residents during their colleague’s funeral procession on Wednesday.
Kitwe district commissioner Elias Kamanga (above) said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that it is sad that the gang caused confusion in the city at the time people were celebrating the 48th independence anniversary.
“It is unfortunate that these people who call themselves Jerabos went on rampage on Wednesday beating up innocent people. We would like to warn that these acts used to happen in the previous administration, which tolerated them, but this government will not condone such acts,” Mr Kamanga said.
He urged the police to arrest ringleaders of the gang because there is no way the group can be allowed to continue terrorising communities.
“We need to arrest the ringleaders of the Jerabos, they must be dealt with severely. What happened on Wednesday is sad and we condemn it in the strongest terms as a government. The police must also deal with police officers who are siding with these Jerabos,” Mr Kamanga said.
He said government is committed to promoting peace in the communities and warned that criminals will be dealt with.
Mr Kamanga also urged youths to desist from being used to perpetrate violence in Kitwe.
“Some of these Jerabos are just youths who are being used, this is why the ring leaders of the gang must be arrested and brought to book. The police must move in and deal with these people.
“Our people have a right to live in peace, no-one should harass them for any reason. If the police will not act, then we will be left with no choice but to believe reports that some senior officers get bribes from Jerabos,” Mr Kamanga said.
He urged the police to be professional and rid the communities of ‘bad eggs’.
“I would like to reiterate that the Patriotic Front government will not allow the Jerabos to harass and beat up people, the way they used to behave during the previous administration,” Mr Kamanga said.
On Wednesday, the Jerabos beat up some Kitwe residents, including taxi drivers from the central business district all the way to Buchi Catholic Church.
The gang also blocked Kwacha road with their vehicles while others slept on the road, disrupting the flow of traffic.
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