By Chinoyi Chipulu
Police have formally charged and arrested former PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri for aggravated robbery, a non-bailable offense.
In a statement yesterday, Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that the arrest of Phiri came after investigations revealed her involvement in the incident of stealing K20,000 cash and an Infinix phone valued at K3,800, belonging to Boldwin Chilambikwa, on December 18, 2024.
Hamoonga stated that Phiri 55, of Plot 32A, Waterfalls, Chongwe district of Lusaka Province was jointly acting with other people who were not unknown.
“Police in Kawambwa have formally charged and arrested Mrs. Mumbi Phiri, aged 55, for the offence of Aggravated Robbery, contrary to Section 294(1) of the Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that Phiri was currently detained at Kawambwa Police Station and was awaiting her court appearance.
“Investigations are ongoing to apprehend her accomplice, identified only as Male Peter, and any other individuals involved in this case. The Zambia Police Service reiterates its commitment to ensuring that justice is served in all reported cases,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that the case was reported by Chilambikwa, aged 28, of Katungulu Village, that his Infinix cellphone, valued at K3,800 and K20,000 cash were stolen from him by Peter, other names not known, suspected to be from the Tonse Alliance team, and was in the company of Phiri.
“The incident is alleged to have occurred on December 18, 2024 at approximately 18:00 hours at Chisheta Primary School in Kawambwa District. On the material date, the complainant was in the company of the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha MP and other UPND cadres checking on their members when they were confronted by a team from the Tonse Alliance, led by Phiri,” he stated.
Hamoonga also stated that the confrontation arose from allegations by Phiri that the UPND team was collecting voter’s cards from members of the public in collaboration with the ECZ.
“Amid the confusion, another suspect Peter, other names not known, attacked the complainant with a Taser gun, causing him to fall to the ground. While incapacitated, the suspect grabbed the complainant’s cellphone and the cash, which had been provided by Mposha for fuel,” stated Hamoonga. “Following the incident, a docket of aggravated robbery was opened, and investigations were launched.”
