In this audio, Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo breaks down crying after visiting the gutted Kapalala market in his constituency.

The Kabushi PF member of parliament explained to the devastated traders that he was not able to visit the market earlier because he was with President Edgar Lungu in Lusaka.

“We were told in the morning around 01:00 hours. That is the time President Lungu also hear about it. As your MP, I was supposed to come here the moment the incident happened. But there was some work I was doing with the President in Lusaka, and he told me that I should come here immediately after our programme…,” said Lusambo in Bemba before wailing out loud.

The traders are heard comforting him and telling him to be strong.

Take a listen.