By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Lusaka City Council (LCC) says it is saddened by the frequent attacks on fire officers and damage to fire trucks by some residents of Lusaka.
This morning another fire truck was stoned in Jack Compound when the team went to the area to attend to the reported car on fire. This was the second incidence in a space of three days as the rescue van was stoned in John Laing three days ago.
Public Relations Manager George Sichimba said at 05:10 hours the fire brigade received an emergency call that a car was on fire in Jack Compound.
Mr Sichimba said the team quickly mobilised and rushed to the scene in a company of four Zambia Police Officers.
He said about 400 metres away from the scene, a mob descended on the crew and started pelting stones which resulted in the wind screen of the fire truck being shuttered.
Mr Sichimba said the mob demanded that the rescue team should go back because the car which was on fire was being used by suspected ritual killers and that it was not worthy rescuing.
He said it is alleged that the car was set on fire by the same angry mob on suspicion that the occupants were ritual killers.
“With the protection of police officers, the driver of the fire truck managed to u-turn and sped off to Kabwata Police Station were the matter was reported. One missile landed on the neck of the driver but the seriousness of the impact is yet to be determined by medical personnel,” he said.
Mr Sichimba said the vice is a serious drawback on the Council’s quest to provide efficient fire and rescue services in the city.
He said the fire brigade now has to think twice and arrange Police officers before responding to an emergency call and when they arrive late at the scene people still blame them.
Mr Sichimba said LCC is appealing to members of the general public to stop misdirecting their anger on innocent fire officers and damage to public property.
