SURFACETokotaKITWEGANGSRE-

CRIMINAL gangs in Kitwe have once again emerged, terrorising innocent residents whom they are also assaulting.

This time around, the gangs attack are pouncing on unsuspecting residents in Ndeke Township and getting away with valuables including money, hand bags and mobile phones in the evening.

Last year, the city experienced a reign of terror from gangs, among them, the Mbwambwambwa, Malinso, the

boys, the Sons of the devil, the Gaza and the Esod.

Some of the gang members have been jailed while others were on the run and police were still searching for them.

The new gangs have now moved from the usual Kwacha and Chimwemwe hotspots to Kamfinsa constituency terrorising residents.

The residents in Ndeke area complained to the Daily Nation that people were being beaten up in the night especially those that were knocking off late from work.

“We no longer move freely even during the day in some places especially those that are quiet because they usually hide there and wait to attack innocent people,” one of the residents Emmanuel Mulenga said.

Mr Mulenga narrated that residents were afraid of sending thei children anywhere but force themselves to do everything on their own as they feared that they would be attacked.

Another resident, Joyce Chipili, said that they had started locking up doors of their homes as early as 18:00 hours as some confident gangs even went as far as storming certain homes and stealing some household items as helpless residents watch.

Ms Chipili emphasized the need for police patrols in the area, stating that most females were being attacked and had their hand bags and money stolen.

“It is not safe especially for us women, what if these people start raping us and our children? We need security in this area before things get out of hand,” she said.

Meanwhile, another resident

Joshua Manda called on parents and guardians to raise their children well and always show them the right path.

Mr Manda said that most of the gang members were very young and came from the same community.

He noted with disappointment that some guardians were shielding their children despite knowing that they were involved in gang activities.