Kisasa Market in Kalumbila reopens

Senior Chief Musele has officially reopened Kisasa Market in Kalumbila District in Northwestern Province after a two-month closure following a mob justice incident in which a businesswoman from Chingola Helen Kamutumbe was murdered.

Speaking during the reopening ceremony, Senior Chief Musele urged residents and traders to reject mob justice and uphold peace, unity and respect for the rule of law.

ZANIS reports that the traditional leader said the market was closed on March 21, 2026 to allow investigations into the incident and to restore order, while strengthening governance and management systems at the trading facility.

Senior Chief Musele thanked the government and other stakeholders for the support rendered during the period the market remained closed.

He said when he decided to close the market, the government worked with traditional leadership to ensure law and order prevailed in the area.

Senior Chief Musele said what happened in Kisasa should never be repeated, warning residents against engaging in mob justice and violence.

The traditional leader further appealed to parents to instill discipline and good behavior in their children.

He also called on residents of Kalumbila district to maintain peace and allow people to freely exercise their democratic rights.

Meanwhile, Senior Chief Musele condemned recent violence at the Kalumbila Town Council during nominations, saying human life should be protected at all times.

He also condemned the attack on former Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo and urged citizens to emulate President Hakainde Hichilema’s stance against caderism and violence.

Senior Chief Musele said Zambia deserves peace and called on citizens to promote love, law and order in their communities.

He stressed that protection of human life is a responsibility of every member of society and not only law enforcement agencies or traditional leaders.

Meanwhile, the traditional leader directed that all traders operating along the roadside should relocate into the market to prevent accidents.

He further declared that the market will operate on a 24-hour basis in line with the government’s 24-hour economy policy and warned criminals against engaging in theft, saying security measures had been strengthened.

Senior Chief Musele also called on the local authority to ensure that market management positions are given to responsible individuals capable of supporting their families.

And Kalumbila District Commissioner, Brenda Sankisa urged traders to conduct business in an orderly manner and continue cooperating with authorities in promoting peace and stability in the district.

Ms Sankisa appealed for continued collaboration between the community and law enforcement agencies in upholding law and order.

Meanwhile, Council Secretary, Liyungu Mungandi said the local authority remains committed to strengthening market governance structures to ensure operations are conducted within the law.

Ms Mungandi also introduced the reconstituted Market Committee, which will oversee operations at Kisasa Market and enhance accountability and discipline among traders.

She said management of markets and bus stations should be guided by the Markets and Bus Stations Act No. 7 of 2007.

Some traders, however, appealed to the traditional leadership to reconsider the decision to remove them from the roadside, saying business has become difficult inside the market.

The traders said they are facing challenges in selling their products because they are located far from the roadside where customers can easily access them.

They said the low sales are affecting their ability to support their families and take their children to School.

The traders appealed to Senior Chief Musele to consider allowing them to trade closer to the roadside to improve their businesses.

Authorities have since assured the public that security has been enhanced as trading activities resume at the market.