30/07/2026
436 COPPER CATHODES WORTH $448,596 RECOVERED IN MUFULIRA: 6 INCLUDING EX-COPPERBELT COMMANDER IN CUSTODY
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 approximately USD $448,596.
Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi confirmed that Mr. Mwala is among 6 suspects arrested following investigations into a consignment recovered in the Mokambo area of Mufulira District between March 6 and 9, 2026.
How it happened, according to police:
The copper was originally being transported from the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa but was allegedly diverted into Zambia. Investigations revealed that after the consignment was placed in police custody, it was fraudulently released to a private individual and later auctioned, despite the owner having been identified.
Other suspects charged include:
1. Patrick Muti - Police Officer
2. Boniface Nchimunya - Police Officer
3. Obrian Chipunza - Clerk of Court
4. Edward Banda - Magistrate
5. Daniel Makina - Businessman
The charges range from Theft by Public Servant, 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.
