Zambia: A Security Officer from ZESCO in Kapiri-Mposhi has died after he was shot in the stomach during a patrol following a report of vandalism. The police force of Zambia has started an investigation into the matter.
As per the investigating officials, Misheck Siakambala was shot by one of the vandals, Joseph Mambwe. The suspect is aged 20 and the incident took place while he was trying to grab a fireman from a Police Officer who was also on patrol.
Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga confirmed that the investigation into the incident is currently ongoing. He notes that the incident occurred on January 3, 2024 around 00:30 hours at Lukanda B area in Kapiri-Mposhi.
Hamoonga explains that on 30th December 2023, the ZESCO Kapiri-Mposhi branch received a report of vandalism. In the said report, a 70-meter armoured cable was cut and stolen by unknown vandals.
He notes that on January 2, 2024 around 22:00 hours, a team of Security Officers led by Inspector Simon Zimba and two other Woman Sergeant, including Siakambala, went for patrol at the scene of vandalism.
Hamoonga says upon arrival at the scene at 00:30 hours, they saw a torchlight and found vandals who attempted to steal a vandalized underground armoured cable, hence firing warning shots in the air, making the vandals flee.
However, one of the vandals who looked drunk is alleged to have charged Inspector Zimba with a view to grab his AK 47 Rifle, during which the criminal touched the trigger and 11 rounds were discharged.
He says Siakambala was heard shouting saying he was shot and was rushed to Kapiri-Mposhi District Hospital where it was discovered that he was shot in the stomach and neck.
Hamoonga states that the victim was evacuated to Kabwe General where he later died around 12:00 hours in the material day, adding that the vandal who wanted to grab the gun was shot in the right thigh and is at the same hospital admitted under police guard.