Informal sector group raises the alarm over rising insecurity in Kitwe, calls for enhanced police patrols

The Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia (IECZ) has expressed concern over the rising crime levels in Kitwe and is calling for intensified police patrols and enhanced community policing to restore public confidence.

This followed a series of violent incidents in the mining town, including the recent shooting of a Chinese national in Garneton, as well as other unresolved killings that have raised alarm among residents.

IECZ National Coordinator, Aston Sakala, said the spate of violent crimes was instilling fear in the community, especially among informal traders who make up a large portion of the town’s economy.

“Just recently, a trader at Chisokone Market was shot dead by unknown people. Before that, a foreign exchange trader at Katondo was also targeted, and now a Chinese national has been killed in Garneton. These incidents demand stronger collaboration between police and the community,” Sakala said in a statement on Saturday.

He warned that such insecurity was detrimental to business, as fear among traders and customers could paralyze economic activity in the city.

Sakala stressed the need for police to increase patrols and conduct targeted operations in crime-prone zones to restore a sense of safety.

He further encouraged community members to partner with law enforcement in reporting suspicious activities to aid in crime prevention and ensure timely arrests.

“People are afraid to move around. We need a coordinated approach to restore confidence and ensure that Kitwe remains a safe place to do business,” he added.

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