By Chinoyi Chipulu
Police have arrested six people among them, Petauke member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda’s wife, two police officers and prison warders for aiding a prisoner to escape.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has stated that Lombe Chali was arrested on August 9, 2024, for allegedly aiding Banda to escape from lawful custody while admitted at Chipata General Hospital.
Hamoonga state that Chali was formally charged on August 9, 2024, and was subsequently released on Police bond.
“Following further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the escape, Lombe was arrested with two police officers, three prison warders,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that the two police officers Mfungwe Phineas and Kabole Benson were both arrested on August 12, 2024.
He named others arrested as Moses Sakala, Nathan Mbao and Musa Spider Zulu who all prison warders and had been released on police bond.
“They all have been charged with the offence of Aiding a Prisoner to Escape Contrary to Section 120 Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. All six suspects have been released on Police bond and will appear in court soon to answer to the charges leveled against them,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that the police police remained committed to upholding the law and ensuring that those who breached the law, regardless of their status or position, were held accountable.
“We assure the public that no stone will be left unturned in this matter as we seek to ensure that justice is served. The cooperation of the public is always appreciated in our efforts to maintain law and order,” stated Hamoonga.
