Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata says women play a key role in transforming notorious youths who terrorise neighbourhoods, popularly known as junkies.

Ms Mulyata says junkies deserve motherly love from their parents for them to transform into better citizens.

The Minister said most junkies originate from functional homes that have mothers and therefore can be persuaded from engaging in destructive vices by their guardians.

Ms Mulyata urged mothers to take keen interest in the wellbeing of their children by shaping their behaviour and praying for them to do better.

Junkies have been terrorising neighbourhoods in some parts of Lusaka by engaging in criminal activities that include theft and harming innocent residents.