Over 60 passengers travelling from Solwezi to Lusaka yesterday afternoon escaped unhurt after the Scania bus caught fire before it was reduced to ashes.This happened near Chindwin barracks in Kabwe

The bus belonging to Juldan motors which is suspected to have developed a fault was burnt beyond recognition while some luggage were also burnt in the inferno.

Passengers watched helplessly as the bus was consumed by fire.Soldiers from Kohima and Chindwini Baracks were seen taking photos of the burning bus as civilians tried to salvage some property from the burning bus.

By the time the Firemen from the Kabwe Fire brigade arrived the bus had already being burnt to ashes.

Eye witness said they noticed some smoke coming from the engine at the back seat of the bus and later alerted the driver who stopped and later discovered that there was fire.

Other passengers felt that the soldiers should have assisted evacuating passengers and removing the bags instead of joining the passengers in watching the bus go up into flames.

Most passengers interviewed looked shaken and could not believe they had survived without injuries.

And driver for the bus who identified himself as Aaron Chikwanda said that bus was in good condition and refuted complaints that it was faulty.

By late in the afternoon yesterday the passengers were still waiting for an alternative to be transported to Lusaka.

United Party for National Development (UPND) has advised the MMD leaders Nevers Mumba and Major Richard Kachingwe resolve their differences amicably.

UPND secretary general Winstone Chibuye says the MMD leaders should sort other avenues of settling their differences other than having fights in the media.

Mr. Chibuye adds that it is however normal for MMD just like any other party to differences but that what is important have this for them to resolve their problems.

And FDD youth leader Antonio Mwanza has observed that the indiscipline in the MMD leadership is now trickling down to the youths.

Mr. Mwanza says from the way MMD national secretary Richard Kachingwe was handled it is evident that the youths were working under instructions.

Mr. Mwanza has however advised the youths in the MMD not to allow themselves to be used for other people’s political ambitions.

He added that some politicians seem to be riding on the high poverty levels to use the youths to settle their political scores.

Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba has advised the people of Western Province to reject and expose a clandestine grouping calling itself Barotse Liberation Army (BLA).

Mr Mwamba said individuals behind the BLA movement should be denounced because they could disturb peace prevailing in the province and create an impression that Patriotic Front (PF) Government has failed people in the area.

He said the BLA secessionists who were reported to be recruiting ex-defence service personnel were a group of selfish and disgruntled individuals whose objectives was to “plunge the region into
chaos.

“I want to appeal to you that don’t listen to selfish individuals who are attempting to divide Western Province and frustrate development efforts by the PF Government.

“This group wants to plunge this country into chaos so that they portray that PF doesn’t want the people of Western province which is a total lie because PF Government cares for all Zambians,” Mr Mwamba said

Mr Mwamba who was accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu and service chiefs was speaking in Sesheke yesterday when he addressed scores of residents who welcomed the delegation at the airstrip.

The two ministers accompanied by service chiefs were on tour of selected parts of Western province on a fact finding mission regarding the formation of the reported BLA.

On Friday, last week during a graduation of defence personnel at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, President Michael Sata said the BLA had recruited some people among them ex-defence service personnel and poachers to attempt to cause confusion in the country.

The Head of State ordered the defence service chiefs to dispatch troops to Western Province to verify the situation.

Mr Mwamba said the Government was concerned about the welfare of all Zambians and would ensure equal developmental projects were effectively delivered to satisfy people’s needs

He said the people of Western province and Zambians at large should not be influenced and swayed into believing that PF Government would not deliver development to all parts of the country.

“I want to assure you that we are delivering various development to all parts of the country and don’t be cheated by anybody that we shall not deliver the development you want,” he said

The Minister implored people to embrace the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ and continue to support and work closely with the Government.

He cited President Sata’s recent decision to create five new districts and a university in Western province as some of the massive developmental projects the locals would continue to receive.

DEFENCE Minister Geoffrey Mwamba has assured the nation that the situation in Western Province is under control and calm following reports of about 900 people among them ex-commandants who have allegedly been recruited into a group calling itself the Barotse Liberation Army (BLA)

And Mr Mwamba and his Home Affiars counterpart Edgar Lungu yesterday held a closed door with King Litunga of the Lozi people at the palace discussing pertinent issues.

Mr Mwamba said the defence forces were alert and on ground to monitor and verify information on the security situation in the province following some reports of ex-defence service personnel being recruited by BLA.

Speaking to journalists in Mongu yesterday shortly after a closed door meeting with service chiefs and other senior Government, Mr Mwamba said the situation in the province was under control.

Mr Mwamba and Mr Lungu were accompanied by service chiefs and other senior Government officials were on a two days tour on fact finding mission on reports of BLA recruiting ex-service personnel.

“Government has received intelligence reports that BLA which is a new movement has recruited closely to over 800 men especially the youths and some ex-commandants. This information seems to be accurate ,” Mr Mwamba said

He said Government would also reinforce more defence personnel from the existing numbers in the province it was discovered the reports of BLA recruitments were also accurate.

President Michael Sata on Friday disclosed that over 900 people among them ex defence service personnel and poachers have been recruited into the BLA in an attempt to disturb peace in the country.

The President also directed service chiefs to immediately dispatch troops to the province to deal with the clandestine negative ‘army force’.

Mr Mwamba said the security wings were currently verifying the intelligence reports on recruitment exercise and would ensure those behind the exercise were dealt accordingly.

And Mr Mwamba and Mr Lungu held a closed door meeting with the Litunga at his palace in Limulunga yesterday.

Mr Mwamba said the meeting which lasted for close to an hour “went on well” and was meant to inform the Litunga about their mission to the province.

“The meeting went on very excerpt that I cant disclose what we have just discussed,” he said.