Kitwe Magistrate Court has commenced trial for the residents of Kitwe’s Chimwemwe and Kawama township that rioted and damaged shops and properties.

A 21 year old witness has narrated to the Kitwe Magistrate Court how residents looted and damaged the shops on the material day.

As a result of the incidents, over 100 Kitwe residents were charged with two counts of rioting and damaging of buildings contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

The offense reads, that on November 5, 2018, in Kitwe, jointly and whilst acting together took part in a riot by breaching peace.

The count two allegations read, that on November 5, 2018, in Kitwe, being riotously assembled, damaged King Mei Supermarket, the property of Guy Kalumba.

One Victor Mwindula of Chamboli Township, shopkeeper testified before Chief Resident Magistrate Yvonne Nalomba that he was asked to keep vigil of the shop, a mob challenged police with stones and broke windows with intent to loot.

Mwindula told the court that he had been instructed by his employer to guard the shop in case rioters decided to break into the supermarket.

He explained that police officers onsite dispersed the rioters from the road who later remobilized themselves and walked towards the shop.

Mwindula said, however the rioters threw stones at the windows and doors of Xinmei supermarket and forced their way in getting away with goods such as mattresses, pots, dishes, bicycles and Plasma TVs.

The matter has since been adjourned to December 10th, and 11th for continued trial.