Motorists in Mpulungu district of Northern Province this morning protested against the confiscation of drums of fuel by Zambia Police.
The irate motorists have further blocked Mbala-Mpulungu road with calvets rolls earmarked for the construction of township roads by China Geo Company causing business to come standstill as most shops have been closed.
According to Muvi TV’s Chimwemwe Simpito, police in full riot gear this morning swung into action and confiscated a good number of fuel drums from illegal dealers at the black market.
The move taken by police has caused turmoil at the town centre forcing motorists to parade at the District Commissioners Offices demanding the reversal of pronouncement from the DC Julian Chuzu that police should prosecute all illegal fuel dealers following the explosion of fuel drums at Ngwenya market a traditional trading centre recently.
Motorists have also threatened to lock out the district commissioner and cause riot if the police does not rescind its decision and give back the drums of fuel to the its rightful owners.
They complained that the move taken by police will now deprive the poor people adding that government should first sensitize the community and look for an investor who will effectively run fuel business in the district before confiscating the commodity.
Recently, the district commissioner Julian Chuzu during a full council meeting at the civic centre urged police officers to arrest and confiscate all illegal fuel dealers saying government will soon look for an investor who can run a Filling Station in Mpulungu district.
And PF Provincial Chairman Peter Mwansa has condemned motorists and has since called on dialogue between the relevant authority and the affected parties.
Mwansa was dumfounded when irate motorists turned away his advice and later proceeded with protests.
Meanwhile, Mpulungu district run out of the commodity three months down the line.
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