By Mubanga Mubanga Mubanga and Chinoyi Chipulu
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has urged stakeholders to let the due process of law take its course on former PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri who was charged and arrested for aggravated robbery.
In a statement, Hamoonga stated that the police acknowledged receipt of the press statement dated January 10, 2025 which was issued by the Non Governmental Gender Organisation Coordinating Counsel ( NGOCC), concerning the arrest of Phiri on charges of aggravated robbery.
Hamoonga assured the public that the arrest and subsequent charge of Phiri was carried in strict adherence to the laws of Zambia .
He stated that the police action was based on evidence collected during investigations and was not influenced by political consideration or external pressures.
“While we respect the role of civil society organizations such as NGOCC in advocating for fairness and inclusion, we urge all stakeholders to allow the due process of the law to take its course,”Hamoonga stated.
“Mumbi Phiri is now before the courts, and we are confident that the judiciary, as an independent arm of government, will ensure a fair and speedy trial in line with the principles of justice.”
Hamoonga emphasised that the Zambia Police Service remained impartial in executing its duties.
“Our mandate is to uphold the rule of law, ensure public safety, and foster an environment where all citizens are treated equally before the law, regardless of their political affiliations or gender,” he stated.
Hamoonga urged the public to refrain from speculative statements that had potential to undermine the due process of law.
In a related development, police in Lusaka gunned down two suspected criminals during an exchange of gunfire, after they robbed a Yango driver of his car.
Hamoonga confirmed in a statement that the incident happened yesterday at Chingwele Cemetery around 11:00 hours.
Hamoonga stated that the four criminals among them two females, who were armed with a pistol requested to be driven to Chingwele Cemetery after booking the yango driver.
“Matero Police Station received a report from Mr. Kalinda John, aged 33, of Chipata Compound, who reported on behalf of his brother, Emmanuel Kalinda, aged 35. Mr. Emmanuel Kalinda, a Yango driver, was attacked and robbed of his motor vehicle,” he stated.
He stated that Kalinda, while operating as a Yango driver, picked up four individuals: two males and two females, who requested to be driven to Chingwele Cemetery. Upon arrival at the cemetery, the passengers turned on him, brandishing a pistol, and threatened to shoot him. They proceeded to steal his vehicle,” he stated..
Hamoonga stated that the victim promptly reported the matter to Matero Police Station and informed officers that the vehicle was equipped with a GPS tracking device.
“The police swiftly followed up on the GPS signal and tracked the stolen vehicle to the vicinity of Chifundo Market in George Compound. Upon locating the vehicle, an exchange of gunfire ensued between the police and the suspects,” he stated.
He stated that during the exchange, rtwo male suspects, estimated to be between the ages of 30 and 35, were fatally shot.
” They were rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.
A search of the recovered vehicle revealed a Shark-C pistol, serial number T6472-08E000367, with one bullet. This was the weapon used to threaten the complainant.The motor vehicle has been successfully recovered and is secured,” he stated
He stated that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited at the mortuary, pending identification, postmortem examination, and subsequent burial arrangements.
Hamoonga urged all vehicle owners to install security gadgets such as GPS trackers in their vehicles.
“These devices significantly enhance the chances of recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending perpetrators in cases of robbery or theft,” stated Hamoonga.
