YOU WILL BE A RUMOUR IF YOU PROTEST AFTER THE 29TH, CHITAMBALA WARNS STREET VENDORS. Lusaka City Council Mayor-Elect Mwewa Chitambala has issued a stern warning to street vendors, declaring that the era of street protests over trading spaces is coming to an end. Chitambala says today, September 29, marks the end of street vending, […]

YOU WILL BE A RUMOUR IF YOU PROTEST AFTER THE 29TH, CHITAMBALA WARNS STREET VENDORS.

Lusaka City Council Mayor-Elect Mwewa Chitambala has issued a stern warning to street vendors, declaring that the era of street protests over trading spaces is coming to an end.

Chitambala says today, September 29, marks the end of street vending, warning that from tomorrow, September 30, law-enforcement agencies will be on high alert to enforce the directive.

“If you protest after the 29th, you will be a rumour,” Chitambala warned, in remarks that signal a potentially tense confrontation between the authorities and street vendors.

The Mayor-Elect further alleged that Tuesday’s protests were organised by cadres allegedly linked to the UPND Chibolya Branch, accusing them of attempting to frustrate the council’s efforts to clear the streets.

He warned that “the law will visit them soon”, suggesting that those behind the protests could face legal action.

Chitambala also alleged that some of those resisting the removal of street vendors are undocumented immigrants who, according to him, want to continue trading from the streets.

The latest warning sets the stage for a potentially tense Wednesday as the council prepares to enforce the directive and street vendors face the prospect of losing their usual trading spaces.

– Zambian Watch News