SUSPECTED illegal copper dealers, commonly known as Jerabos, on Wednesday disrupted two funeral processions in Kitwe and engaged in indiscriminate beating of mourners at Chingola Road Cemetery.

And police in Kitwe have arrested 12 people for assault.

Copperbelt police chief, Mary Tembo said the Jerabos were burying a colleague when they accused other mourners of disturbing their procession.

Ms Tembo said they attacked a family which was burying at a nearby grave, accusing it of getting soil from the grave of the colleague they were burying.

In the fracas, the Jerabos beat up Romani Njobvu, 19, of 677 Kawama Township, and Brian Moyo, 34, of the same address.

Mr Njobvu was beaten with an iron bar and sustained a cut above the eye while Mr Moyo sustained a swollen eye after being punched.

Ms Tembo named some of those arrested as Marlon Mushili, Oliver Mwale, Francis Chewe, Richard Mushitu, Douglas Musefwe, Lewis Chinyemba, Levy Chungu and Blessings Kachali, all of Bulangilio Township.

Ms Tembo said riot police officers from Mindolo and Riverside police stations were called to quell the situation at the cemetery.

She said those arrested would appear in court soon.