Solwezi residents riot over girl’s death

Solwezi residents riot over girl’s death

Solwezi, March 5, ZANIS —Kyawama compound residents in Solwezi today ran amok and smashed windows at a local police station as they protested over the death of a 13-year-old girl who was hit by a police vehicle.

The protesting residents also smashed windscreens of  private vehicles that were packed at the police station.

North Western Province Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Achume confirmed the death of the girl, identified as Lister Kajhilambinga of highland residential area in Kyawama compound.

Mr Achume said the girl was hit by a police vehicle registration number ZP 2164B as she ran across the road while the vehicle was approaching.

The accident happened at 07.50 this morning sparking protests from residents.

The deputy police commissioner said at least six vehicles which were parked at the Kyawama police station had their wind screens smashed.

A ZANIS news crew that rushed to Kyawama compound found the residents had blocked the Independence-Mutanda road with wooden planks and ZESCO poles which they had set on fire.

By pres time, Police were still fighting running battles with residents in a see-saw fashion with a huge crowd of angry residents throwing stones and carrying sticks pushing police backwards at instances while police also retaliated by firing warning live bullets and teargas canisters.

Mr Achume said police are in the process of beefing up its manpower to calm the situation.