3 graveyard encroachers nabbed

THREE illegal land developers found dismantling tombstones in Chisonga Municipality cemetery have been arrested, Mongu District Town Clerk Sheila Songolo has disclosed.

Speaking during a Youth and Women’s day preparedness meeting held at Mongu Lodge yesterday, Ms Songolo said the local authority in the district was disappointed with the continued encroachment by illegal land developers into the council reserve cemetery.

Ms Songolo said despite local government having plenty of land, people had resorted to illegal land acquisition.

And Mongu District Commissioner (DC) Susiku Kamona said it was against the Zambian tradition for people to disrespect the departed souls as graves were the last resting place for human beings.

Mr. Kamona said he was disturbed with the development and had since directed the local authority in the district to ensure all land intruders were prosecuted.

He told council officers to take stringent measures against law violators and demolish all the houses constructed in prohibited council land.

The DC said apart from invading graveyards, the perpetrators had also invaded Air plane aviation and forest reserve areas in Mongu, adding that culprits should be brought to book.

ZANIS