Businesses count losses after Chingola riot by illegal miners

Traders at Chiwempala Market in Chingola have recounted painful losses after illegal miners, locally known as jerabos, went on a looting spree in protest against government’s ultimatum to vacate the Sensele copper pit.

According to the traders, the group targeted several shops and street vendors, stealing merchandise and food, including chickens being sold at the market.

“We are not involved in the conflict over the Sensele pit, but look—they have taken our chickens that we were selling,” one sobbing woman at the market said.

She called on the government to engage the miners peacefully to restore calm in the area.

Another trader, Maggie Mulenga, said the jerabos forcibly grabbed chickens from her stall and threatened her with violence.

Showing empty chicken baskets, Mulenga expressed fear that lasting peace may not return to Chingola, given the level of violence witnessed in the mining town.

The unrest also affected the local police post in Chiwempala, which had its windows shattered by the rioters, who were demanding to be allowed back into the copper pit.

According to Copperbelt Minister, Elisha Matambo, one of the torched earth-moving machines belonged to Avic International, a Chinese construction company working on road projects in Chingola.

“It is sad that one of the earth-moving machines burnt by the jerabos belongs to Avic International,” Matambo said in a statement on Wednesday.

Police have yet to release a detailed statement on arrests, although unconfirmed reports suggest that one miner was shot dead during the chaos.

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