CRIMINAL GANGS TAKE OVER ABANDONED KAMWALA SOUTH MARKET, CONVERT SHOPS INTO RENTAL HOMES – SIMATAA COUNCILORS

CRIMINAL GANGS TAKE OVER ABANDONED KAMWALA SOUTH MARKET, CONVERT SHOPS INTO RENTAL HOMES – SIMATAA COUNCILORS

Kamwala Ward Councillor Hon. Mainda Simataa says emerging reports of break-ins, thefts and attacks in Kamwala South are linked to criminal gangs who have taken advantage of the abandoned Kamwala South Market, converting shops into rental properties and using the market as a launch pad for criminal activities.

The community leader said that on-site investigations by the municipal police revealed that more than 100 unused shops have been illegally converted into places for illegal activities. Some are rented out as homes, others are sex brothels and some are liquor stores/warehouses for the sale of ‘Kachasu’, the local beer.

Councillor Simataa said that using markets for purposes other than trade is strictly prohibited under the Markets and Bus Stations Act. He confirmed that a 14-day countdown has already begun and all illegal squatters have been ordered to leave.

The councillor also warned and reminded shopkeepers not to sublet. He added that they are also tenants of the council, irrespective of whether they built the shops or not. Therefore, the council will not hesitate to take back all the sublet shops. “Public safety and security come before individual interests. We are ready to fire anyone who violates the law,” he said.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024
LUSKA

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