37 LOOTERS NABBED

The riot started early morning on Sunday when one shop was looted and the other one was looted later in the evening. - Chola Katanga

Mr Katanga disclosed that eight people were arrested around 08:00 hours and 29 others were arrested later in the evening in connection with the incidence.

THIRTY-SEVEN people were yesterday arrested in Itezhi Tezhi after they allegedly looted shops of persons suspected of practicing witchcraft.

Central Province Commissioner of Police Chola Katanga confirmed the development to Daily Nation yesterday, saying one shop was looted in the morning and the other was looted later in evening on Sunday.

Mr Katanga disclosed that eight people were arrested around 08:00 hours and 29 others were arrested later in the evening in connection with the incidence. This came to light a few days after a person was shot dead and others left injured in the area after the magistrates court granted bail to a businessman who assaulted a resident resulting in a riot. He said the police managed to recover the property which was looted by the unruly residents on Sunday. Mr Katanga said the suspects were in custody waiting to be charged and to appear in court.

“The riot started early morning on Sunday when one shop was looted and the other one was looted later in the evening. So far we have arrested 37 people in connection with the riot and they are in our custody,” Mr Katanga said. But youth activist Twaambo Mutinta in a separate interview said there was need to increase the man power in the area to maintain law and order.

Mr Mutinta said it was impossible for 10 officers who are stationed in the area to manage over 13, 000 people.

Mr Mutinta said the officers were outnumbered by the angry residents during a riot which led to the looting.

Meanwhile Mr Katanga said he was concerned with the inadequate manpower, and that he would write to the Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja to look into the matter.

“Yes I am also concerned about the manpower in the area. I will soon inform the Police Command so that if possible more officers be taken there,” Mr Katanga said.