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File: Peasant farmers sifting through their maize before selling the crop to the Food Reserve Agency
The Small Scale Farmers Development Agency (SAFADA) says the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) given to farmers across the country has successfully helped many small scale farmers in the past three years.
SAFADA Executive Director, Boyd Moobwe, said the programme of providing poor but viable farmers with farming inputs should continue in order to alleviate the suffering of small scale farmers in rural areas.
Speaking to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today, Mr Moobwe said farmers appreciate the gesture being extended to them by the Patriotic Front administration.
Mr Moobwe, however, said Government should increase the number of beneficiaries in the Farmer Input Support Programme.
He said although many farmers have benefited from the scheme, there is a general understanding from concerned stakeholders that some of the farmers intended to benefit from this programmes are left out in preference for those who have enough income.
Mr Moobwe said the move is retrogressive and there is need to be reversed if the country’s agricultural industry is to continue to grow for the benefit of citizens as well as the nation.
And Mr Moobwe has called on the private sector, Government and the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) to start discussions for the 2013-2014 farming season in order to have adequate preparations.
Mr Moobwe said the syndrome of hurried preparations in the agricultural industry hampers the growth of the sector and urged Government and other concerned stakeholders to make early plans in order to reduce many challenges farmers face in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Moobwe has called on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to quickly finish paying off the remaining farmers across the country who supplied maize during the 2011-12 farming season.
Mr Moobwe said thousands of farmers are spending nights at some FRA depots waiting to be paid their dues.
He said now that Government has released the money to pay all the farmers who have not yet been paid, it is up to the agency to expedite the process.
He added that the FRA needed to be strengthened in the way it is currently operating.
Mr Moobwe said delays to pay farmers on time contribute greatly to poor harvest because farmers fail to purchase farming inputs on time.
President Michael Sata has assured all opposition MMD members of Parliament serving in the PF Government that his administration would take urgent and practical intervations to ensure that they are protected against all forms of harassment and intimidation.
The President’s pledge comes in the wake of frequent threats of expulsion that have been issued by the former ruling party on its parliamentarians that are currently serving as deputy ministers in the PF Government.
Mr Sata said this today in a press statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka by Special Assistant to the President for press and Public Relations, George Chellah, adding that as progressive politicians, immediately the PF Government assumed office, the Head of state co-opted opposition MMD Members of Parliament into his Government.
Mr Sata said he appointed the former ruling party’s MPs purely in the spirit of inclusivity and desire to transform the country to new heights.
He stated that the PF’s aspirations have always been to utilise the proficiency and competencies of citizens who are willing to serve their mother land irrespective of their social or political attachments.
He added that there is no way the head f of state and Government in particular will ever marginalise or ditch the MMD opposition MPs.
President Sata further eluded that together, the PF administration and opposition MPs choose to work together in the interest of the country and that the PF administration shall deliver to the interest of the Zambian people.
Mr Sata stated that as Head of State and President of the Patriotic Front Party, he will endeavour to undertake to protect and defend people both in and outside Government until his administration triumph over adversity just like the party has done in Mufumbwe.
“Even in the worst case scenario, their parliamentary seats are safe as they are guaranteed adoption under the PF ticket. I encourage them to draw comfort, courage and lesson from Hon Stephen Masumba’s case,” President Sata said.
Mr Sata said Mr Masumba’s adoption and subsequent victory speaks volumes of Government’s commitment to work and stand by colleagues even amidst difficulties.
He also urged the parliamentarians to ignore MMD President, Nevers Mumba’s lies, greediness and intimidation.
“We are in a hurry for development and there is no space for trivial and egoistic politics because this country requires devoted leadership and as Government, we are determined to navigate the challenges and contours of the future just to ensure that we improve the quality of life for our people and subsequently restore their dignity,” the President said.
Meanwhile, President Sata has swapped Northern Province Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba with his counterpart Hlobotha Nkunika from Eastern Province.
The Head of State wishes the duo successes and God’s blessings in their new provinces.
Zanaco have yanked the crown away from Power Dynamos to win the 2012 Faz Super Division title.
Zanaco beat Nkana 3-1 at Arthur Davies stadium to breeze pasted Power who were leading into the final stretch to finish top of the log on 61 points, two points more than the outgoing champions.
Power on the other hand lost 1-0 away to Red Arrows to relinquish their hold on the Super Division title and settle for second place.
Goals from Steven Phiri, Ziyo Tembo and Moses Phiri helped Zanaco pick their six league title to tie with Power on the honours’ list.
Reynold Kampamba scored Nkana’s consolation goal to record his 15th goal of the season and in line for the 2012 golden boot award.
Meanwhile, Daniel Sibanda broke Power’s hearts with a7 the minute header in a match the outgoing champions were second best for most of the game.
Zanaco will play in the 2013 Caf Champions League while Power have to settle for the Caf Confederation Cup.
However, Power has one more shot at glory next Saturday when they play Napsa Stars in the Barclays Cup final at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Power are the defending Barclays Cup champions.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 30
10/11/2012
National Assembly 1- Konkola Mine Police 0
Konkola Blades 0-Green Buffaloes 0
Green Eagles 0-Nchanga Rangers 1
Roan United 1-Nakambala Leopards 0
Red Arrows 1-Power Dynamos 0
Nkana 1-Zanaco 3
Zesco United 3-Indeni 0
11/11/2012
Napsa Stars-Forest Rangers
Mpezeni being welcomed in style by some bemba women while chief chewe in white jacket looks on at the airstrip in chinsala
Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking people has urged opposition political leaders in Zambia to fine tune their politics instead of perpetually fighting the party in government at the expense of development even after elections.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni has since urged Zambian politicians to emulate the American model of politics which gave chance to the president elect to run governance affairs in a conducive environment.
The traditional leader has also urged the opposition leaders to stop politicking and give President Michael Sata chance to run the affairs of the country.
The chief made the remarks when he met several Bemba chiefs at Senior Chief Chibesakunda’s palace in Chinsali yesterday before gracing the Isonge Traditional Ceremony.
Chiefs present in the meeting were Chief Chewe, Chief Chinkamba, Chief Kabungo, Chief Nkweto and Chief Mubanga.
“You must talk to your subject, Nevers Mumba and advise him to stop politicking and talk without having points. We need to unite and work with the government of the day which is the PF.
“We should not make their work difficult. It is important that we give President Sata a chance to work and develop Zambia,” Chief Mpezeni said.
He said it was unfortunate that President Sata had become a subject of debate by some politicians even at unnecessary fora.
He said Zambians must learn that time for politicking was long gone and that efforts and energies should be directed towards reconstructing the country.
The Paramount Chief called for unity among traditional leaders and take advantage of the political will exhibited by the government in recognising their important role in the governance process.
The traditional leader said the colonisers recognised the importance of traditional leaders hence the establishment of Native Authorities.
Chief Mpezeni, who was beaming with joy, during his first trip to Chinsala, said traditional leaders were better placed to give government accurate information and should therefore interact with it regularly to bring to the fore problems that people were faced with.
“I am happy to see that the PF administration is working hard to empower traditional leaders who are actively participating in governance matters. We know our people so well and what they need,” he said.
He said President Sata should be commended for his efforts to unite chiefs and improve their welfare through the introduction of the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.
Mpezeni being welcomed in style by some bemba women while chief chewe in white jacket looks on at the airstrip in chinsala
And Chief Chewe said the government needed the chiefs in the governance process in order to have an inclusive approach.
Chief Chewe said President Sata should be commended for recognising the importance traditional leaders played in national development.
He called on chiefs to embrace this opportunity and work hard to better the living standards of the people.
Senior Chief Chibesakunda said the non-involvement of chiefs in governance issues had led to the underdevelopment in rural areas.
Senior Chief Chibesakunda said chiefs in the past had been disgraced by selfish politicians who just wanted their help when they wanted to canvass votes during election times.
“We are happy that President Sata’s Government has taken a new stance in relation to traditional leader’s issues. Leaving out traditional leaders in the process is like trying to climb a tree using the leafs.
“Similarly development should start from the roots of the tree, then the stems, branches and leafs,” he said.
Chief Chibesakunda said the PF administration has shown political will towards the development of rural areas and should be encouraged to continue on the same path.
He also urged traditional leaders not to be used by politicians and that their authority should be respected.
Chief Chinkamba said the visit by Paramount Chief Mpezeni was inspiring and a uniting factor.
Chief Chinkamba said chiefs should not only wait to meet during the House of Chiefs sitting but develop networks and visit each other regularly.
He said not all chiefs were members of the House of Chiefs hence the need to have regular visits to other chiefdoms and discuss issues affecting their subjects.
Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba and Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba
Sympathizers of Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba and Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba have clashed at Kasama Airport as the two camps offered solidarity messages for the two ministers.
There was an exchange of bitter words at the Airports as the PF cadres went to offer solidarity to the two ministers.
Mr. Kabimba is in Kasama to officiate at a PF Provincial Indaba and arrived around 11:30 Hours and he is scheduled to feature on a radio programme on Radio Mano this afternoon.
Confused has ensued between Mr. Mwamba and Mr. Kabimba’s camps ahead of the ongoing indaba.
Meanwhile, Police has confiscated two trucks belonging to Mr. Mwamba who is also area MP which was carrying his sympathizers.
Two drivers of ABV 2596 and ALB 4328 have since been detained at Kasama Central Police station.
Heavy presence of police officers is keeping vigil of the ongoing PF Indaba which is a scene of lawlessness between the two camps.
Kabwe Warriors and Nkwazi on Friday bounced back to the Super Division after the Faz disciplinary committee awarded them three points apiece following their un-played week 34 matches against Luena Buffaloes and Kascol Rangers respectively.
Warriors Chairman Andrew Kamanga confirmed that his team and Nkwazi have been awarded three points off Luena and Kascol respectively.
Kascol failed to travel to Lusaka to face Nkwazi last weekend while Luena failed to travel to Kabwe to play against the Rail-Way Men.
Warriors have now won the Faz Division One South League while Nkwazi have finished second.
The committee has since fined Luena K2million for failing to fulfil their match against Warriors and another fixture against Young Green Eagles.
Kascol were also fined K1million for failing to honour the fixture against Nkwazi.
Lime Hotspurs and Kalulushi Modern Stars have promotion from the northern division
Government says it has received some of the contents in the pastoral letter issued by the Christian Council of Zambia (CCZ) general secretary, Rev Suszanne Matale, with a heavy heart.
According to a statement issued by Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Kennedy Sakeni, some contents of the pastoral letter were exaggerated and distorted.
Mr Sakeni, who is also government spokesperson, observed that some contents of the pastoral letter were glaring and based on assumptions.
He said it is not government’s intention to respond to the church whenever sound and honest guidance or counsel is provided.
However, Mr Sakeni stressed that government is duty-bond to inform the general citizenry, especially when events or situations are being described in a manner that is not accurate.
Mr Sakeni said the state was disturbed seeing CCZ embarking on a campaign full of distortions when the church was supposed to be in the forefront championing social justice and peace.
He charged that some parts of the pastoral letter contained exaggerated proclamations.
“The acquittal of Henry Kapoko and his accomplices is very suspect in our view to say the least. This takes away the confidence that people have in the government to effectively fight corruption,” read parts of the pastoral letter.
Mr Sakeni reiterated that government has never had a hand in the decisions of the judiciary in the dispensation of justice.
He wondered how government would have had a hand when the PF is just a year in office, adding that the case has been in the courts of law for a long time.
Mr Sakeni described the inflammatory statement by the CCZ as unfortunate and unfair on the part of the government.
He has since appealed to CCZ to speak with facts and evidence while leaving speculative talk and rumour-mongering to politicians.
Mr Sakeni reiterated that government remains committed in upholding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
And commenting on the just ended by-elections, Mr Sakeni challenged CCZ to provide evidence showing that government resources were used during the campaigns.
He said government will never engage in politics of quick fix development as such politics belong to the past administration.
Mr Sakeni challenged CCZ to name culprits involved in the alleged activities, adding that failing to do so will only fall away as mere political talk.
The minister has since appealed to individuals in CCZ with political ambitions and inclination to come out in the open and join their preferred political parties.
He said government remains open to dialogue and other progressive engagement with all stakeholders in a bid to collectively improve the quality of livelihood of the Zambian people.
Government has, with immediate effect, suspended all timber licences to protect the depleting forests around the country.
Meanwhile, Parliament heard yesterday that over 25 million trees equivalent to 20,000 hectares will be planted during the 2012/2013 tree planting season countrywide to help address depleting forests due to increased deforestation.
Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Minister, Wylbur Simuusa said the programme would be implemented through the launch of the National Tree Planting Programme (NTPP).
He said in a ministerial statement that deforestation rates globally stood between 250,000 to 300, 000 hectares per annum and the attendant annual saw log or timber deficit was 2.5 million cubic metres.
Mr Simuusa said the NTPP, once fully rolled out, could create over 200,000 jobs while the first phase of establishing 11 large scale forest nurseries and community ones could create over 6,000 jobs countrywide.
“There is urgent need Mr Speaker, for a serious concerted effort to address this very serious situation and for the first time in 30 years, your Patriotic Front (PF) Government in line with its manifesto has taken a bold step to address the depleting forest resources by funding my ministry with an initial amount of K12 billion,” he said.
Among other tree species to be planted in different parts of the country include, pinus and eucalyptus for timber, poles and resins, faldherbia albida for animal fodder, nitrogen fixing, firewood, moringa oleifera for medicine and oil and fruits trees.
Mr Simuusa said the purpose of funding was to establish 11 large scale tree nurseries in all 10 provinces and one at the Forestry Research Centre in Kitwe.
He said the funding would raise 17,500,000 tree seedlings in 11 large scale forest nurseries countrywide by December 15, 2012 and would engage about 5,000 local people during production.
Her said the funding would assist in developing an out-grower scheme to produce 8 million seedlings countrywide valued at K 1 billion which would involve chiefs, schools, churches and other stakeholders.
At provincial level, he said, the nursery size could be two to three hectares per district, 1,550 tonnes of soil collected for nursery while 452 workers would be engaged in each province and at the Forest Research Centre.
Central Province would have 700 hectares, Copperbelt 5,000, Eastern 2,700, Luapula 5,000, Lusaka 4,000, Muchinga 10,000, Northern 5,000, Northwestern 5,000, Southern 3,000, and Western 5, 000.
He said forestry were a renewable natural resource which with prudent management, could sustain the country in providing forestry goods and employment opportunities.
On the suspension of timber licences, he said, as empowered under section 68 (20 9F) of the laws of Zambia, the move would not apply to exotic timber plantations or timber that legally extracted, processed and was in timber yards, factories or markets.
MMD Keembe MP, Ronnie Shikapwasha wondered what Government was doing to address increased charcoal burning to which Mr Simuusa responded that Government was in discussion with stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo told the House that Government had approved supplementary funding of K150 billion for capital projects in preparation for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to be hosted in Livingstone next year.
She said in a ministerial statement that K40 billion out of the K150 billion was released last month and that Government’s plan was to complete all capital projects for the UNWTO general conference by June 2013.
“In an effort to create awareness of the upcoming event and involvement of the local community in Livingstone, meetings were held with various stakeholder groups,” she said.
She said a countdown to mark 365 days till the event was launched at the One Stop Shop in Livingstone on the eve of August 24, 2012 to create local awareness and foster destination participation.
She said Zambia was on course in hosting UNWTO and called for concerted from other stakeholders to support Government’s efforts adding that Zambia and Zimbabwe had come up with a common logo and mascot- a drum with the slogan ‘The Beat is Here’ which would be used in all promotional materials.
Acting Home Affairs Minister, Kennedy Sakeni also presented to the House the 2013 estimates of revenue and expenditure for the Zambia Police Service of K890 billion, the Drug Enforcement Commission at K41.4 billion while allocation for other departments at the Ministry was K337 billion which were all under still debate.
The Forum for Democratic Process (FODEP) is happy that the Mufumbwe by-election has shown tremendous improvement in terms of the conduct by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as well as the transparency of the counting and totalling process.
FODEP Executive Director, Macdonald Chipenzi, said the preparations by the ECZ seemed to have been undertaken in a professional manner leading to a smooth voting process.
Mr Chipenzi attested to this by the timely opening and closing of the polling stations throughout the constituency.
He observed that FODEP is pleased that the electoral environment before, during and immediately after the elections was peaceful, adding that political parties and other stakeholders showed increased respect for each other and the electoral process.
He, however, noted that there were persistent allegations that individual party cadres did not always refrain from violence and that people reported incidences of the distribution of money and materials by parties during the campaign period.
Mr Chipenzi also disclosed that there were allegations of electoral blackmailing such as promises by the ruling party of building health posts in the event that it would be elected by local residents or losing government support if voters did not support the ruling party candidate.
He said on the other hand, opposition parties promised a big victory celebration where a number of animals would be slaughtered.
He further added that it was alleged that political parties were continuing to carry out their campaign activities after the official closing of the campaign period.
Mr Chipenzi revealed that no culprit, however, was brought to book and as a result, FODEP noted with great concern that the respect of the provisions of the electoral code of conduct continue to be a challenge for political actors.
He stated that FODEP believes that these incidences could not influence the electoral process to an extent which casts doubt on the validity of the process as a whole.
Mr Chipenzi said FODEP observed with regret that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seemed not to have its presence felt in Mufumbwe during the campaign period and election day, adding that this is casting a lot of doubt on the ACC’s commitment to fighting corruption in the electoral process in Zambia.
He stated that FODEP, therefore, recommends that the ACC should establish its presence before, during and after elections and ensure that perpetrators of electoral corruption are brought to book.
Former Republican President, Rupiah Banda, has called for the expansion of African economies if people are to reap the full benefits of democracy.
In a statement issued to ZANIS by Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Fourth President, Mikatazo Wakumelo, Mr Banda said on a continent that continues to suffer from some of the highest rates of inequality, hunger, and poverty, democracy should be viewed as a mechanism of human dignity in which every citizen is included and incorporated into their various nation.
The former head of state explained that there is need to focus on delivering a vast expansion of African economies that can include more jobs while at the same time protecting the most vulnerable.
He said this in a public lecture delivered at the University of Dar-es-Salaam last evening.
Mr Banda urged the current crop of African leaders to pursue pragmatic solutions to people’s problems as opposed to playing word games which tend to make politics seem insufficient and counterproductive.
He advised that there is no need for political parties to contest elections if they were unable to build capacity for problem solving.
He told his audience, which included lecturers from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, that people want solutions, services and accountability, and have no use for ideology.
The lecture was part of the Boston University African Centre where Mr Banda is the current president-in-residence.
Gutted machinery and materials at Decormore Investments, a furniture making factory, in Lusaka
An inferno has swept through a furniture manufacturing factory, Decormore Investments Limited in Lusaka destroying property worth over K3 billion.
The fire which destroyed eight machines, raw materials and finished products is reported to have started on Wednesday night after power, which had gone off, was restored around 20:30 hours.
The factory situated off Lumumba road had been experiencing power outages and in this incident, the factory had no power in the evening and when it was restored, it produced a spark and triggered the fire alarm before the factory was engulfed in fire.
Managing Director Osama Younes found at the scene said the fire lasted close to five hours as a combined team of the council fire brigade and Zambia Air Force (ZAF) struggled to quench it.
“It is very devastating, I saw my machines burning, the Fire tenders came earlier but ran out of water, then we had ZAF to reinforce the quenching of fire which lasted for over five hours and it destroyed property worth between K2.5 billion and K3.5 billion,” said Mr Younes.
He said he had over 30 employees at his factory who would be jobless until his factory resumes operations as it had to start afresh since the fire had extensively damaged the warehouse and the machines.
A check found all the machines, raw materials, finished products burnt and part of the wall where the fire was expected to have started from completely damaged.
An eye witness, a security officer from Giant Eagles Security Services Ben Kunaka said he first heard the alarm set by Armcor ringing an indication that there was danger and when he rushed to check he saw a spark which later stopped.
He said after 30 minutes he again heard the alarm and when he checked for the second time he saw the factory in flames and quickly went outside and started shouting for help and a fire brigade vehicle going somewhere advised him to call their emergency numbers as well as that of the managing director.
“After some time I saw the fire fighters and the others including the owner of the factory Mr Younes who came rushing. We later saw ZAF fire fighters who together assisted to put the fire off,” Mr Kunaka said.
He said the fire was only quenched between 05:00 and 06:00 hours.
Zone Fam are really ending 2012 with a bang. After the release of their critically acclaimed single Contolola along with the video which can be seen across Africa on MTV Base , they have released a new single Compolition .
FILE: Silvia Masebo with Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO
Government has dismissed media reports insinuating that Zambia is not ready to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly which will be co-hosted with neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo clarified this in Parliament today when she delivered a ministerial statement.
Ms Masebo said Zimbabweans known how to market themselves compared to their Zambian counterparts who criticized themselves.
Ms Masebo said Zimbabwe is known to be an old tourist destination yet Zambia is endowed with more tourism sites dotted in the country besides the famous Victoria falls which is shared by Zimbabwe.
“Mr. Speaker Sir, the only difference between Zambia and Zimbabwe is that Zimbabweans are very aggressive and nationalistic while Zambian we are not patriotic. We Zambians are good at criticizing ourselves. We have so much in terms of tourism,” Ms. Masebo said.
She regretted that her Ministry had not carried out an effective sensitization campaigns but reiterated Government’s commitment to working with the media, the private sector, Members of Parliament (MPs), the lodge owners and other stakeholders to help market Zambia vigorously.
She stated that a team of experts have visited Zambia and they will continue coming to Zambia to conduct inspections to ensuring that infrastructures at the airports, hotels, boarder towns and security personnel among others meet the required international standards.
The Minister said she has been to Spanish City, Madrid at the Organisation’s headquarters and that she has on several occasions accompanied the Head of State Mr. Michael Sata abroad to among other agendas market Zambia ahead of the 20th 2013 General Assembly.
Meanwhile, parliament heard today that Government has approved K150 billion and additional K60.8 billion has been released for the preparation and co-hosting the 2013 General Assembly.
Ms Masebo challenged the private sector to show case their existence and join hands with government as the country exhibits its products to the outside world.
She told the House that Zimbabwe will host the official opening ceremony, plenary session, a luncheon for the delegates, Council general meeting among other meetings while Zambia will host the closing ceremony, Board meeting, gala dinner and round table meeting for Commissions for Asia, Europe and America.
Ms. Masebo said the two countries will host a series of meetings side by side and that a permanent Inter-ministerial Committee has been instituted.
She said Zambia and Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding which among other things seeks to not only market the two countries but the entire Southern Africa region and that both countries have an opportunity to create a global village to benefit the people world-wide.
A four-year-old boy of Mupata village in Mpulungu district this morning died on the spot after he was bashed by a police vehicle carrying inmates.
And an angry mob on the scene fought running battles with state police following the accident caused by the police vehicle.
Mpulungu police officer-in-charge, Ernest Chuni confirmed the accident to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Mpulugu.
The accident happened at Mupata market along the Mpulungu/Mbala high way when the boy attempted to cross the road from the market to the other side.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle run over the child who later died on the spot as he was attempting to cross the busy road.
By press time, the body of the child was still lying by the road, wrapped in Chitenge materials.
The Zambia Police vehicle was reported to be carrying inmates from Nchelenge.
Meanwhile business in the town centre came to a standstill when residents who were angered by the death of the juvenile fought running battles with state police.
Police fired teargas canisters to disperse the angry protesters who also fought back resolutely.
The crowd accused the driver of over speeding on the busy road, arguing that the child was hit on the pedestrian side of the road.
The angry mob also attempted to torch the police vehicle at the scene of the accident before the driver sped away.
The protesters later blocked the main road with stones and sticks and threatened to destroy any vehicle entering or leaving the town centre, forcing several motorists to hide their vehicles.
A grass-thatched house was later reported to have been gutted in Mupata village under unknown circumstances.
By press time, calm had however returned to Mpulungu town.
