Cadres resurface as traders cry for police protection

CADRERISM has resurfaced in some markets and bus stations in Lusaka and traders have appealed to police to intervene because they are being harassed to pay illegal fees.

Cadres are still present and in charge of markets and are now intimidating traders especially those who trade from New Soweto.

A check by Daily Nation found cadres clad in UPND regalia manning bus stops at Chibolya Primary and at Masauko in Kanyama Township.

Also cadres were seen in New and Old Soweto market moving around talking to traders.

And some traders talked to are disappointed in the manner they are being threatened by UPND cadres that if they fail to oblige with the new regulations, they would be flashed out of the market.

Mr Martin Chisanga, a trader from old Soweto Market disclosed that cadres are also collecting money from them and forcing them to allow squatters in their paid for stalls or spaces.

Mr. Chisanga said cadres are still in the markets, but some are in plain clothes while others are in party regalia. He wondered why police are not arresting them, despite being given a directive by President Hakainde Hichilema that no cadrerism should be entertained in public places.

He also wondered why cadres have abrogated the directive from the President and appealed to law enforcement agencies to ensure that cadres are removed from the markets.

Another trader, Ms Margaret Mwanza said cadres were strategic in the manner they were conducting their activities as they come after 16:00 hours to collect money.

She said others are impersonating Lusaka City Council levy collectors and also threatening to remove them from the market.

She said there is need to respect the law and called on the police to arrest anyone found conducting such illegal activities in markets.