UPND, PF cadres clash over Lusaka markets, stations
A FIGHT for control has erupted between the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National (UPND) over who takes over the running of bus stations and markets.
A check by the Daily Nation at Intercity Bus Station in Lusaka found heavily armed police officers manning the station after sporadic clashes which saw some irate cadres burning tyres near Kamwala trading area. Police spokesperson Esther Katongo said the heavy police presence at intercity was just a precautionary measure as there was a possibility of clashes erupting.
“Yes, we have sent people there just to keep an eye on the situation which has potential to escalate to full blown violence if left unchecked,” she said.
Ms Katongo said a woman with her child was poured with hot tea for wearing a UPND Chitenge which incensed PF cadres at the Intercity Bus Terminus.
Meanwhile, another check at Lilanda and Lilanda-Kawama market found that UPND cadres had taken over the station and markets.
They were harassing bus drivers and traders who were not complying with their demands.
An eye witness who chose to remain anonymous said that all the PF cadres had been flashed out of the markets and were now in hiding.
“The UPND has taken over the running of the stations and has displaced their opponents who were in control of these places,” he said.
He said the new group was acting like their predecessors as they were bringing the old system back in stations.
By ADRIAN MWANZA
Author
