NIP RESURGENT GANGS

THE resurgent of the youth gangs in some townships of Lusaka and the Copperbelt smacks of a criminallywoven network that recoils when law enforcement officers go guns-blazing in search of misfits in society. It is abundantly clear that these gangs have their own surveillance system whereby they strike when the police lay down their arms as is the case in Bulangililo Township in Kitwe. In Mutumbi settlement area and Pang’wena in Lusaka, the gangs have resurfaced after signs that the police have decamped from trouble areas. Chamba Valley Meanwood area has not been spared. Under the circumstances, the police must religiously scan the environment and continue with their foot and motorised patrols in residential areas that are prone to gangsterism. The initial Kitwe scenario was only brought under control after Police Inspector-General Kakoma Kanganja led a crack squad that combed the hotspots including Mulenga and Bulangililo Townships some months ago. The Tokota Boys, 90-Niggas, Mbwambwambwas, Malinsos and many other dirty gangs were smoked out and arrested. Most of them are appearing in court while others have already been convicted. In Lusaka, the Fluffy Boys went on rampage bludgeoning innocent residents in Mtendere from 18:00 hours upwards. Yes, patrols were mounted but criminal gangs are back! Firstly, it is important to trace the root-cause of such gangs that are somewhat deriving pleasure in inflicting pain on others. Family values have been diluted with Western lifestyle which does not entertain extended families. This means, therefore, that families that lose a breadwinner have little or no chance of integrating into the family cycle. They are left to fend for themselves. Broken homes have also unleashed rebellious children on the streets, who seek solace in friends and eventually graduate into gangs because they feel society has forsaken them. Others are initiated into gangsterism because of peer pressure and desire to try out new and mischievous mission. There are many other causes. Thus Zambia needs to secure the future by ensuring that the young ones are brought up and nurtured in a safe environment. Initiatives have to start at familial level to community and finally national level. Parents are key within the family to inculcate a sense of responsibility; children should at an early age be developed and raised in a true Christian manner. At this level, the Children must be able to appreciate the greatness of the Almighty God; they must feast on the Word of God on a daily basis. This follows that parents must demonstrate true Christian values all the time and also show patriotism and pleasant mannerisms. Recognition and respect for others are paramount as the children grow up. Secondly, parents must value education for their children from an early stage. While some may argue that education does not come cheaply, parents must ensure they enroll their children in available schools; community schools are now available at no fee at all. Teachers have also a role to play in moulding the children into responsible citizens in society. At national level, the police need to do more of community policing as a practical way of being proactive. Law enforcement officers should be able to detect and prevent crime; this is an important role. Police have lost battles in situations where crime blossoms undetected. All in all, police should engage the community as they comb all areas because it appears the case of gangs is not only in Kitwe and Lusaka, but in other locations including rural areas.