ANGRY bus drivers and callboys in Kabwe yesterday stopped taxi drivers from operating on the Town CentreNgungu route after accusing them of grabbing business from them. The protest, which started around 07:00 hours, left several commuters stranded while others decided to walk to their destinations. Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga witnessed the bus drivers’ unruly behaviour and directed Bwacha Police Station officer-in-charge Cosmas Banda to intervene.

Bus drivers, who carried scores of unruly and chanting call-boys in their buses, claimed taxi drivers are disadvantaging their businesses. The drivers created barricades on the road using their vehicles while some chased after taxi drivers at high speed. Mr Banda and Kasanda Police Station officer-in-charge Steven Mwambwa led police officers to calm the situation. “You [call boys], get out of the bus now and you [drivers] go and pack,” Mr Mwambwa said while fishing call-boys from buses. Mr Mwambwa ordered drivers to obey instructions because police would not allow lawlessness. “These meetings are not allowed, you should disperse in peace,” Mr Banda said.