By IREEN MULENGA
The Local Authority in Siavonga District is saddened by reports of two juveniles aged 16 from unnamed Schools who have been apprehended for allegedly stealing street light cables in Kanyele Compound.
Public Relations Officer Gwendolyn Mchenga said that one of the juvenile who is a grade 8 pupil was apprehended in the early hours of Monday morning around 01:00 hours by the state police and Siavonga Town Council officers after a tip off from members of the public.
Ms Nchenga said the suspect later led the officers to other three suspects but only one juvenile suspect a grade 10 pupil from Lusaka who came to visit was apprehended as the rest were reported to have fled.
She said the duo was later taken to Siavonga Police station,were they are currently detained.
“The Local Authority has been in the recent past receiving reports of vandalism and theft of street light cables taking place in the district by unscrupulous people.
“The vice has been rampant in Mitcho and New Site areas and along Simamba road in the Central Business District (CBD),” she said.
Ms Nchenga said the Council needs over K 250,000 to replace the stolen cables.
Meanwhile the local authority is sending a very strong warning to individuals who are in the habit of stealing and vandalizing the cables to immediately desist from the vice.
The local Authority has appealed to members of the public to report any suspected theft or vandalism of any facilities to the Local Authority or the Police.
The Council also commended members of the community for alerting the officers on the theft that took place.