Lusaka City Council Convicts 23 Vendors for Illegal Trading and Waste Disposal in the CBD
By [seblif editor]
In a decisive move to restore order in Lusaka’s Central Business District (CBD), the Lusaka City Council (LCC) has successfully secured the conviction of 23 vendors for illegal trading and improper waste disposal. The accused were found guilty by the Fast Track Court on January 3, 2025, and fined between K100 and K500. Those unable to pay the fines face the possibility of imprisonment or community service.
The convictions follow an operation on January 2, 2025, when LCC officials apprehended Derick Moonga and 22 other vendors for selling various items in public spaces not designated for trading. This illegal activity was a direct violation of the Local Government Act, Chapter 281 of the Laws of Zambia, which regulates vending activities and aims to maintain order in public spaces.
In addition to illegal trading, some of the convicted vendors were also found guilty of improper waste disposal. The case highlights a growing concern for public health and safety, with the LCC taking a firm stand on these issues. According to LCC Public Relations Manager Chola Mwamba, the council is committed to ensuring that all vendors operate in designated markets to avoid health and environmental risks.
“This conviction is part of our ongoing efforts to restore order in the CBD,” said Mwamba. “We are determined to ensure that vendors adhere to the regulations that safeguard public health, cleanliness, and safety in the city.”
The crackdown on illegal vendors is not the first of its kind. Earlier, the LCC had arrested 13 other vendors for engaging in trade in undesignated areas. The council has also been actively working to eliminate illegal advertising, recently pulling down 70 unauthorized billboards in an effort to clean up the city’s advertising spaces.
In a rare turn of events, the court acquitted one individual after it was determined that he was a mental patient, underscoring the thoroughness of the court’s review process.
Mwamba reiterated that the LCC would continue its efforts to enforce order, urging all traders to ensure they operate strictly within the legal framework. “We are sending a strong warning to those engaging in illegal activities. Vendors must sell their goods only in designated areas, and failure to comply will result in severe penalties,” she warned.
The Lusaka City Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining order in the CBD reflects the city’s broader goal of enhancing urban cleanliness, safety, and public health standards.
Keywords:
Lusaka City Council, vendors, illegal trading, waste disposal, Central Business District, Zambia, LCC, Fast Track Court, Local Government Act, Lusaka news, Zambia news, public safety, public health, community service, vending regulations, illegal billboards, environmental cleanup.
, the Lusaka City Council (LCC) has successfully secured the conviction of 23 vendors for illegal trading and improper waste disposal. The accused were found guilty by the Fast Track Court on January 3, 2025, and fined between K100 and K500. Those unable to pay the fines face the possibility of imprisonment or community service.The convictions follow an operation on January 2, 2025, when LCC officials apprehended Derick Moonga and 22 other vendors for selling various items in public spaces not designated for trading. This illegal activity was a direct violation of the Local Government Act, Chapter 281 of the Laws of Zambia, which regulates vending activities and aims to maintain order in public spaces.){kind=link}