By Nonhlanhla Phuti
Over 100 fishermen in Kamafyese community in Bwana Mkumbwa Constituency on the Copperbelt have been displaced and properties destroyed by a Zimbabwean national claiming ownership of the land along Kafubu River banks.
A check by Phoenix News found houses built along the rivers burnt while fishing activities, which is the main source of income for the people of Kamafyese community have been halted.
Some affected fishermen have told phoenix news that three weeks ago, the foreign national claiming ownership of the land, popularly known as Mr Kool Bananas is alleged to have directed some police officers from Luanshya to burn down and destroy houses and shelters along the river banks on allegations that they had illegally settled on his farmland.
The settlers have since called on the local authority to measure the demarcation of the land in question and ascertain whether they encroached into the foreign man’s farm land.
And Chichele Ward Councilor Edgar Misenso has urged the displaced fishermen to exercise patience as the matter is before Ndola City Council and that a lawyer has since been engaged to help handle the matter professionally.
And Ndola City Council Public Relations Manager Rebecca Mushota has confirmed that her office is aware of the matter and has since instituted investigations in the matter to ascertain the rightful owner of the land.
Efforts to reach the Zimbabwean national proved futile by broadcast time.
PHOENIX NEWS