08/07/2025
ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT – SOLWEZI
July 8, 2025-The Zambia Police Service through Kyawama Police Station wishes to confirm having received a report of a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) which occurred today, July 8, 2025, at approximately 12:30 hours. The incident took place at Kawanda–Kimasala road junction, opposite Solwezi Day Secondary School, involving a motor vehicle and three pedestrians.
The accident involved a Mercedes Benz ML4 bearing registration number ACX 9047, which was being driven by Male Joseph Ilela, aged 33, of Kimasala Compound, Solwezi. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver, due to excessive speed, failed to control the motor vehicle while turning from Kawanda into Kimasala Road and in the process hit three pedestrians who were exiting the church building at St. Stevens Roman Catholic Church.
The victims have been identified as follows:
Female Jennifer Matalaushi, aged 54, who complained of general body pains.
Female Elizabeth Matalaushi, aged 52, who sustained a fractured hand.
A female juvenile, aged 9, who sustained a cut on the left hand, bruises on the right thigh, and general body pains.
All three victims were rushed to Solwezi General Hospital where they are currently admitted and reported to be in stable condition.
Brief facts of the matter are that the motor vehicle was being driven along Kawanda Road from south to north. While attempting to join Kimasala–Muzabula Road, the driver lost control due to excessive speed and ran into the pedestrians, who were coming out of a church gathering that was reportedly also attended by Mr. Harry Kalaba, the opposition party leader of the Citizen First Party.
Following the incident, the driver was forcibly removed from the vehicle and beaten by a mob. He sustained a cut on the forehead and complained of general body pains. He is receiving treatment at Urban Clinic. It has also been reported that the motor vehicle key was grabbed from him by an unknown person during the commotion.
The matter is under active investigation and necessary measures are being taken to ensure that justice prevails.
The Zambia Police Service continues to urge all road users to exercise maximum caution and observe speed limits, especially in residential and school zones, to avoid such unfortunate incidents.
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER