Tension in Mandevu as traders clash with court sheriffs over land dispute

Traders operating near Heroes Stadium in Mandevu on Saturday staged a protest against Undersheriffs from the Lusaka High Court who were executing a court order in favour of a company identified as SOFITEL.

The court order granted SOFITEL ownership of the open space opposite Heroes Stadium, an area that has been occupied illegally by marketeers.

In a statement issued in Lusaka, Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the development, stating that police officers managed to restore calm during the operation.

Hamoonga explained that the enforcement operation began around 23:00 hours on Friday and continued into Saturday morning, during which four makeshift stalls were dismantled.

He noted that no significant damage was caused to other structures.

“At around 05:00 hours, some traders who arrived to begin their business activities discovered that their merchandise had been tampered with, and some claimed that items were missing. In response, they blocked the Great North Road in protest,” Hamoonga said.

He added that police responded swiftly and engaged the traders through their market leaders, successfully calming the situation through dialogue.

No teargas or firearms were used during the engagement.

However, Hamoonga noted that a vehicle that passed through the area before police arrived was stoned by agitated individuals.

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