Residents of Mawaya Compound in Zimba District of Southern Province are allegedly living in fear owing to attacks by a gang of unscrupulous youths commonly known as ‘Junkies’. 

The residents have indicated that they are living in fear of being attacked from the evening to around 02:00 hours by the junkies aged 12 to 30.

One of the residents, Trevour Nswana, complained to ZANIS News that locals in the area face attacks frequently, with property such as phones and money taken away from them. 

Mr Nswana narrated that the attackers who are armed with unknown weapons can harm people permanently.

“The junkies aim high when they pounce on you. It’s a do or die scenario. These boys don’t just grab properties and cash, they can also injure you,” he lamented.

Another resident, James Ng’andu, called on the Police to enhance night patrols to mitigate attacks, noting that they no longer move about freely.

He said power outages especially in the night has contributed to a rise in attacks on innocent citizens.

“We can’t afford to live in a situation where our boys become ungovernable. I appeal to the parents and guardians to check because we realise these boys are known and they come from our homes,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Zimba District Commissioner, Robson Mulamfu, directed the Police to institute night patrols and crack down on crime.

Mr Mulamfu warned that the days for junkies are numbered as the government is deeply inconvenienced by bad vices and is dedicated to eradicating the vice.