One hundred and thirty-three people have been arrested in Mkushi for loitering and other offences in a joint operation conducted by the Zambia Police and the Department of Immigration.

The operation was conducted on Wednesday and Thursday, and among those arrested are 77 women and 56 men. Central Province commissioner of police Joel Njase said in an interview yesterday that one Congolese is among the people who were arrested.

“So far, 90 have paid admission of guilt fines and a total of K9,000.00 has been raised. As of this morning, 23 females and 20 males were still in custody for failure to pay the admission of guilt fees,” Mr Njase said.

Mr Njase said the operation follows complaints from people in Mkushi that crimes and abuse of alcohol have increased. Mr Njase said initially 267 people were arrested but after they were screened, the number reduced to 133. Mr Njase said police and immigration officers from Kabwe joined their counterparts in Mkushi in the operation. He said patrols were conducted in all the townships in Mkushi and the central business district.

“The operation covered townships such as Itala, lodges, illegal bars and suspected brothels,” he said.  “This operation was intended to reduce crime in Mkushi and to ensure that we also check on issues of drug trafficking and illegal firearms,” Mr Njase said. Mr Njase said police will remain vigilant and ensure it fights crime in Mkushi so that people live in a free and peaceful environment.

Mr Njase also appealed to people in Mkushi to be alert and co-operate with the police in fighting crime and promoting a safe and