Security wings terrorising villagers - MP

the people of Chiengi were being brutalised and detained by law enforcement officers without following the due process of the law.

"Immigration officers, policemen and soldiers are not only arresting and torturing our people but are also collecting un-receipted cash between K300 and K3, 000 to free those caught breaking the fish ban," Ms Katuta said.

She expressed sadness that a named immigration officer, soldiers and the police were using corporal punishment and force on the unarmed fishermen.

She emphasised that corporal punishment or any form of punishment can only be decided by the courts of law.

Ms Katuta said the noble thing for law enforcement officers to do to fishermen violating the extended fish ban is to arrest them and bring them before a court for determination of their matter than torturing them.

Ms Katuta wondered why the fish ban which was supposed to have ended on March 1, was extended just three days prior to the lifting period.

She said the reasons that was advanced for the extension were flimsy and unconvincing.

She therefore, appealed to government to lift the extension of the fishing ban with immediate effect so that the affected people can resume their fishing activities for survival.