Drivers affected by Thursday’s incident where 25 public buses in Lusaka’s City Market were smashed by 10 unruly people has crippled the business of the transporters.

A check by Diamond News at the renowned bus station located in the heart of the capital city, found several passenger buses without windows and windshields.

The unhappy drivers have described the aftermath of the incident as barbaric because the damage has led to significant loss of business.

Many have since appealed to government to consider rendering assistance to enable them meet repair costs.

Meanwhile, five suspects aged between 21 and 42 have been arrested by the police in connection to the 25 cases of malicious damage to property.

Amid the fracas some minibus drivers were left with serious injuries following confusion between drivers and thugs that attempted to disrupt operations.

Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, says the other five escaped and police have launched a manhunt.

And Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, says no acts of criminality will be tolerated in markets and bus stations.

He says it is regrettable that such an incident happened at City Market and has appealed to the police to ensure that all those involved are brought to book.

By Victoria Kayeye Yambani