14/01/2025
ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICECONDEMN MOB JUSTICE AND DESTRUCTION OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.
January 14, 2025-The Zambia Police Service strongly condemns incidents of mob justice and the destruction of public infrastructure.
Such acts undermine the rule of law, disrupt public safety, and put innocent lives at risk. Public infrastructure, including police posts, is established to serve and protect communities, and its destruction hampers our ability to provide timely services, leaving citizens vulnerable to criminal activities.
We remind the public that taking the law into their own hands is not only illegal but also counterproductive.
Justice can only be effectively administered through established legal channels.
CASE OF MURDER -MUNUNGA POLICE POST
We wish to inform the public of a tragic incident reported on January 13, 2025 at Mununga Police Post under Chienge Police Station. At around 09:00 hours, F/Given Mumba, aged 40, of Chiseketi Village, Chief Mununga, District Chienge, reported her niece, Grace Kaoma, aged 44, of Kapampale Village, missing since 06:00 hours on January 12, 2025.
While the family was searching, they received a call from Ms. Kaoma’s former husband, Derrick Mwale, stating that she was dead and buried near her farming field. Upon receiving this alarming report, police rushed to the scene and confirmed the incident.
The deceased was found buried in a bush, with a hoe discovered nearby. A physical inspection revealed injuries, including bleeding from the mouth and nose, bruises on her right hand, and a swollen face, suggesting she may have been assaulted with an unknown object.
Brief facts reveal that Grace Kaoma had been receiving threats from her former husband, Derrick Mwale, following their divorce. Police investigations led to the apprehension of the suspect at 23:00 hours yesterday January 13, 2025, and he was detained at Mununga Police Post.
MOB ATTACK AND DAMAGE TO POLICE INFRASTRUCTURE
Regrettably, today January 14,2025 at around 05:00 hours, a mob gathered at Mununga Police Post upon learning of the suspect's detention. The mob attacked the officers on duty, broke into the cells, and extensively damaged the police post. They forcibly removed the suspect and subjected him to severe mob violence, leaving him with deep cuts on the head.
The situation was brought under control with reinforcement from Chienge Police Station. The injured suspect was rushed to a nearby clinic, where he is currently admitted in unstable condition.
The Zambia Police Service remains committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring that all perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Mwachoma zm
