Three fire and rescue officers have been reported stabbed by residents while attempting to extinguish a fire in Kwacha township, Kitwe, according to Kitwe City Council Public Relations Manager Mwaka Nakweti.
Nakweti stated in a Thursday report that the incident occurred on Wednesday evening around 21:30 hours, when the fire and rescue team responded to a blaze in Kwacha East.
Upon arrival, the team was reportedly met with hostility from a mob that resorted to physical violence instead of cooperating.
“Tragically, three officers were assaulted, with one suffering a stab wound to the shoulder. They were rushed to Kitwe Teaching Hospital, where the medical team successfully removed the knife and treated the officers,” Nakweti revealed.
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The injured officers are currently receiving medical care.
Nakweti condemned the attack, stating, “Such barbaric acts and behavior towards our emergency personnel are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“The individual responsible for this heinous attack, a woman, was taken into custody at Riverside Police Station.”
She expressed regret that fire officers, dedicated to protecting lives and property while risking their own lives, were being endangered by public attacks.
“We urge all residents to respect and support our emergency services in their critical work. Any obstruction or violence against them undermines their ability to perform their duties effectively, putting everyone at greater risk,” Nakweti urged.
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