Police commended for shutting down illicit distillers

THE Catholic Church in Kabwe has commended the police command for clamping down on distillers of illicit beer common known as Kachasu in the compounds around the district.

The Central police command embarked on the programme of going in the compounds known for making Kachasu among them Makululu, Mukobeko, Katondo, Kamuchanga and Nakoli to stop people from brewing illicit alcohol. Catholic Diocese Pioneers secretary, Smart Kasapo said in an interview with the Daily Nation that as the church they welcomed the move taken by the police to clampdown on all those involved in the illegality. “We as stakeholders struggled when we were lobbying for the National alcohol policy, we commend the police for swinging into action to arrest the culprits,” said Mr Kasapo. He said as a church, they were concerned at the number of people that were being admitted to hospitals due to alcohol and drug abuse. Mr. Kasapo said the effects of alcohol and drug abuse were evidenced by the patients admitted in ward 12 at Kabwe Central hospital who he said were addicts. “At Kabwe Central Hospital ward 12, you find that some of the patients admitted there are due to alcohol and drug abuse and this is a concern to us as the church,” he said. “So as a church, we support the police because their duty is to protect life and property equally the church preaches the gospel to help people lead a normal life and stay away from substances that may injure them in an way,” said Mr. Kasapo. He urged people to find honest sources of income and appealed to youths to stay away from any immoral activity such as alcohol abuse to stay healthy and contribute to the development of the country.