Kabwe Municipal Council (KMC) has confiscated assorted goods from 23 street vendors for defying regulations and returning to trade illegally in the Central Business District (CBD). KMC Public Relations Officer Peter Sukwa says the confiscation followed intensified enforcement…

Kabwe Municipal Council (KMC) has confiscated assorted goods from 23 street vendors for defying regulations and returning to trade illegally in the Central Business District (CBD).

KMC Public Relations Officer Peter Sukwa says the confiscation followed intensified enforcement operations by council police officers over the past three days aimed at curbing illegal vending on the streets and in shop corridors.

This is according to a statement issued by KMC Public Relations Officer and made available to ZANIS in Kabwe.

“Some vendors fled, leaving their merchandise behind, while others had since paid the K750 penalty fee and collected their goods,” he said.

Mr Sukwa said the seized merchandise includes second‑hand clothes, shoes, wheelbarrows, water containers used by car washers, boiled maize, vegetables, and other goods that were being sold in undesignated trading areas.

He warned vendors against returning to the streets, stating that those found violating council by-laws risked paying penalties or being taken to the Fast Track Court for illegal vending.

Mr Sukwa also cautioned members of the public against assaulting council officers performing their duties, warning that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Mr Sukwa said the council had impounded three motor vehicles for washing on the tarmac, explaining that the practice could weaken road surfaces and cause damage.

He said one vehicle owner has paid the K750 penalty fee, while the other two vehicles remain impounded at the Civic Centre.

Mr Sukwa said enforcement operations would continue as the local authority seeks to maintain order and ensure compliance with council by-laws in the CBD.