JUNKIES STILL A MENACE

Dear Editor,

THE criminals commonly known as junkies are still a menace. Junkies have continued terrorising people in townships in Lusaka. The presence of junkies in our communities has instilled fear in people. This is a source of security concern.

The problem of junkies has become an issue across the country. This is because other provinces have not been spared either.

What is mind boggling is that junkies comprise a group of young people. Kanyama township in Lusaka is a notorious place for junkies. Besides attacking people, junkies abuse alcohol and drug substances. Cannabis is one of the most abused substances.

Some people have been slain while others have been seriously injured by junkies. Junkies carry lethal weapons such as machetes, knives and iron bars to attack people.

The problem of junkies is getting worse by the day. Gone are the days junkies could attack people at night. Junkies nowadays attack unsuspected people during the day.

Some people have been robbed of their hard-earned money and valuables such as laptops and mobile phones. This is how bad junkies can be.

Not too long ago, a group of junkies killed 17-yearold Kingsley Siampongo of George compound in Matero constituency.

He was put to rest last Monday. If this is not enough, a Rwandese businessman of Kamwala South was recently kidnapped by junkies. The victim was only released upon paying a ransom of K5, 000.

In view of the escalated number of junkies terrorising people, there is need for the law enforcers, the police to intensify night patrols to arrest the criminal gangs. This should be done without delay. Otherwise, our townships will no longer be safe havens.

In the meantime, the public could play a significant role by reporting all suspected criminals to the nearest police posts and police stations. This measure will lead to the arrest of criminals and subsequently reduce the criminal activities.