ZNS Troops Move Against Cadres Holding Traders Hostage in Lusaka City Market

41 Views Zambia National Service (ZNS) troops have moved to restore calm at City and Soweto Markets in Lusaka following reports of traders being harassed, intimidated and forced to pay money by cadres in the aftermath of the elections. The intervention has resulted in the apprehension of eight suspected cadres, including three women, at City […]

41 Views Zambia National Service (ZNS) troops have moved to restore calm at City and Soweto Markets in Lusaka following reports of traders being harassed, intimidated and forced to pay money by cadres in the aftermath of the elections. The intervention has resulted in the apprehension of eight suspected cadres, including three women, at City Market, who were allegedly dragging traders from their trading spaces and taking them to a designated area where they were held until they paid money. The eight suspects were apprehended by ZNS troops and handed over to Central Police Station for further action, while the traders who had allegedly been held hostage were released. During the operation, ZNS troops recovered K4,710 in cash, together with lists containing the names of traders from whom money had allegedly been collected. The recovered cash and documents were handed over to Central Police Station together with the eight suspects for further action. No formal receipt was issued to the ZNS team at the time of the handover. At City Market, the traders were reportedly being charged K250 before they could be allowed to leave, while at Soweto Market, traders reported being forced to pay K500 for their trading spaces. The developments have raised concern among traders whose livelihoods depend on daily sales and who say the alleged extortion has left them struggling to recover their businesses. One of the affected traders at Soweto Market, Melody Mulenga, a resident of Garden Compound, said the K500 taken from her was not simply a fee but her entire trading capital. Mulenga said the money was the capital she depended on to keep her business running, leaving her with little means to continue trading. Another trader at the market reported losing goods after they were allegedly stolen during the disturbances. Despite the complaints about what had happened earlier, a check by ZNS troops at Soweto Market found traders going about their businesses peacefully. The continued presence of ZNS personnel at the two markets is aimed at maintaining peace and ensuring that traders and members of the public can conduct their activities without intimidation or disruption. For the traders, the return of calm offers an opportunity to rebuild their businesses and resume trading without fear of being forced from their spaces or losing the little capital they depend on for their livelihoods. ZNS See less