Police in Lusaka have confirmed that five suspected criminals on the wanted list were shot dead during an operation. The incident took place in Chibolya compound, according to police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi.
Speaking to journalists in Lusaka during a display of recovered items, Mr. Chilabi said police had received information that the suspects were in Kalikiliki compound armed with machetes and other offensive weapons. The report prompted an immediate response from officers.
Following the tip-off, a team of officers and neighbourhood watch members led by Inspector Mutemwa Mwenda was sent to Kalikiliki. The team managed to apprehend two of the suspects during the initial operation.
While the officers were escorting the two suspects, they were attacked by accomplices who were also armed with machetes. The two suspects escaped during the confrontation. Inspector Mwenda sustained a fractured left leg in the attack, and another officer received minor injuries.
Later that day, police in Kalikiliki got another tip-off from members of the public indicating the suspects had regrouped in Chibolya compound. A joint team made up of the Anti-Robbery Squad and officers from Mtendere Police was then deployed to the location.
The subsequent operation in Chibolya resulted in the five suspects being shot dead. Police displayed recovered items linked to the group during the briefing and stated that investigations into the group’s activities are continuing.
