Zambia president warns economic saboteurs after market fire incident

Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, has reacted to the early Tuesday fire that gutted the country’s biggest and busiest trading hub, the City Market located in the capital, Lusaka.

Even as authorities continue their investigations into the cause of the fire, the saddened president warned that economic saboteurs were not going to be spared.

He posted a statement on his Facebook wall, condoling with victims of the fire, calling for calm and assuring that persons implicit in the fire will be dealt with.

Below is the full statement

“I am saddened by the fire that destroyed property of innocent Zambians earlier today at the Lusaka City Market. I urge all Zambians to remain calm and patient as we await a full report by the security services.

“If the fire is an act of arson then those destroying public property are enemies of the people.

“Security wings are working hard to investigate all possible areas of wrongdoing in this matter. The nation will be kept informed.

“The Nation must therefore remain calm and ensure that no retaliatory action by anyone as this will be falling for the same lawlessness Zambians have refused to embrace.

“Let me warn that those engaging in acts bordering on economic sabotage will surely be brought to justice. We’ll find you wherever you’re hiding. The long arm of the law will not fail Zambians in this endeavour. The law will protect public good and order.

“To all victims of today’s fire incidence, my Government and I stand with you during this difficult moment . Be assured that you are not alone and your Government will not fail you.
God bless Zambia.”

Video of Lusaka’s biggest market on fire this morning captured by a bystander. #Zambia pic.twitter.com/13sJoCJkTo

— Mutheliso Phiri (@Mutheliso) July 4, 2017