Chikankata UPND Member of parliament, Munji Habeenzu, says villagers in Chikankata area of Mazabuka are not ready to surrender illegal fire arms unless the Police service sends police officers to the newly built Malabo police post.
Mr Habeenzu told ZANIS in Mazabuka today that the villagers are keeping illegal home-made guns in their homes for self protection because of lack of police presence in the area.
He said it has now become a fashion in Chikankata area for each household to possess a gun to counter any banditry activities because the Zambia Police service has refused to send police officers to Malabo police post.
Mr Habeenzu complained that murder cases have become the order of the day, adding that within a period of two weeks, two women, one of them a 73 year old were gruesomely murdered by unknown people.
He also charged that cattle rustling is on the increase.
Mr Habeenzu said it is unfortunate to note that Police have asked the poverty stricken villagers to mobilise resources for the electrification of the police post before officers could be sent at the expense of lives and property.
He said there is need for the ministry of home affairs to seriously look into the plight of villagers and address the lawlessness that has rocked the area.
I am a Zambian staying in West Africa. Hai Chikankata Guys, We as Zambians always live in peace and have never heard of things like cattle rustling etc. Please lets unit as one people. With my experince in working in places of conflict, I would say better drink chibwantu under a mango tree than sleeping in the bush. BYe