GOVERNMENT has banned Independence Day celebrations in Serenje following the riots that took place in the district last week in protest against the murder of a 22-year-old taxi driver.
Three people are in police custody in connection with the murder of Gideon Kunda whose body was poured with petrol and set ablaze.
Both Serenje district commissioner Charles Mwelwa and Central Province police commissioner Joyce Kasosa confirmed the development in separate interviews yesterday.
Mr Mwelwa said the cancellation of independence day celebrations in Serenje is due to security concerns arising from last week’s riot.
“It’s true we have decided not to have celebrations this year due to security reasons. We thought the best is to cancel the celebrations,”Mr Mwelwa said.
He said government wants to avoid gatherings, adding that the decision to cancel independence day celebrations in Serenje was arrived at after consultations with security wings and other stakeholders in the district.
And Ms Kasosa said it is important to avoid gatherings in view of the volatile situation in Serenje.
“It’s better to avoid gatherings. There will be no independence day celebrations in Serenje,” she said.
Ms Kasosa said police have continued to monitor the situation in the district and are ensuring that there is peace and order.
She also said the three suspects in the murder of Mr Kunda have not yet been charged because police are still investigating the matter.
Ms Kasosa however said two of the 15 Serenje residents who were arrested in connection with last Tuesday’s riot have been charged with riotous behaviour and were expected to appear in court yesterday.