Ndola council offices in lock-up drama

By VIOLET TEMBO POLICE in Ndola are looking for people who locked up Ndola City Council (NCC) offices using chains in the early hours of yesterday, Copperbelt Police commissioner Charity Katanga disclosed yesterday.

Ms. Katanga told the Daily Nation in a telephone interview that suspects have been established and would be rounded up soon.

Ms Katanga said her office has since deployed officers at the civic centre to keep vigil. She has since warned of stern action against those behind such acts.

She said officers’ presence at the civic centre would continue so as to restore peace and ensure that public order was enforced.

“I do not know the problem the council is facing. We received information as early as 01.00 hours that gates to the civic centre had been locked up with chains. We have to call the fire brigade to force them open. “I have deployed officers there because the gates were locked with chains, meaning some people were trying to restrict access to those offices. I wish to warn the public that forcing closure of public officers will to be tolerated. We can’t tolerate lawlessness,” Ms Katanga said.

However Ms Katanga refused to disclose if suspects involved were outsiders or insiders. She said it was premature to disclose such information to the public as the matter was still being investigated.

Meanwhile Ndola Council Public Relations Manager Tilyenji Mwanza said the presence of offices at the council should not instill fear or prevent the public from accessing the offices.

Ms. Mwanza said the presence of police office at the council offices was to keep peace and order.