ILLEGAL copper dealers commonly known as ‘Jerabos’, on Wednesday went on rampage in Kitwe as they drove in a convoy beating up other motorists.
The Jerabos were returning from Chingola Road Cemetery to bury their colleague when they went into a rage at the junction of Chingola-Kitwe and Kwacha roads.
Pedestrians were not spared from the beating, while some motorists sped away and caused confusion on the roads.
Police, who arrived on the scene several minutes later, arrested two Jerabos and charged them with conduct likely to cause breach of the peace.
They had blocked the road and started beating up motorists, whom they also splashed with beer.
The Jerabos suddenly went on rampage after burying their colleague only identified as Jacob, who died last week.
Copperbelt police chief Mary Tembo said the incident happened around 11:00 hours on Independence Day.
She identified those arrested as Brian Daka of Mindolo and Evans Sinkwayi.
Ms Tembo said police had also impounded three vehicles that were abandoned by the Jerabos who feared to be apprehended.
“I have issued instructions to the police to ensure that the suspects are taken to court and prosecuted so that it serves as a deterrent to would-be offenders,” Ms Tembo said.
The impounded cars included a Toyota Spacio, ACP 9871, Toyota Corolla, ACP 6335, and Toyota Chaser, registration number ACM 6043.
Ms Tembo said the vehicles would be used as exhibits in court.
The Toyota Spacio hit into a police vehicle as the Jerabos tried to escape in panic.
Last year, the Jerabos disrupted a kitchen party in Kitwe where they beat up women and destroyed presents which included refrigerators and other household goods.