30/07/2026
FORMER COPPERBELT COMMANDING OFFICER CHARGED IN COPPER THEFT!
Former Copperbelt Province Commanding Officer Yuyi Mwala has been formally charged with Theft by Public Servant in connection with the alleged theft of 436 copper cathodes valued at about USD 448,596.
Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi confirmed that Mr. Mwala is among six suspects arrested following investigations into the consignment, which was recovered in Mokambo area of Mufulira District between March 6 and 9, 2026.
The copper, originally being transported from the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa, was allegedly diverted into Zambia. Investigations revealed that after being placed in police custody, the consignment was fraudulently released to a private individual and later auctioned despite the owner having been identified.
Other suspects include police officers Patrick Muti and Boniface Nchimunya, Clerk of Court Obrian Chipunza, Magistrate Edward Banda, and businessman Daniel Makina. They face charges ranging from Theft by Public Servant and Giving False Information to a Public Officer to Receiving Property Suspected to Have Been Stolen.
Mr. Chilabi said all six suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
