Man accused of stealing police vehicle doesn’t know how to drive, court hears

THE Chipata High Court has heard that the man accused of attacking police officers with catapults and speeding off in a K1 million police vehicle after his motorbike was impounded does not know how to drive. Chipata High Court Judge Ketra Walubita heard that Robert Mapili aged 29 cannot drive a motor vehicle, despite accusations […]

THE Chipata High Court has heard that the man accused of attacking police officers with catapults and speeding off in a K1 million police vehicle after his motorbike was impounded does not know how to drive.

Chipata High Court Judge Ketra Walubita heard that Robert Mapili aged 29 cannot drive a motor vehicle, despite accusations that he stole and drove away with a police vehicle.

This is in a matter where Mapili is charged with one count of aggravated robbery, a charge he denies committing.

Giving his defense today, Mapili told the court he is not mentally unstable enough to steal government property clearly labeled “Zambia Police.”

He is being represented by Counsel Hellen Phiri and Twaambo Hanatete both from Legal Aid Board.
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“I’m not sick enough to steal a police motor vehicle clearly labeled Zambia Police. I don’t even know how to drive a car. I have never driven one before in my entire life,” Mapili stated.

He denied attacking two officers on July 17, 2025, at a roadblock along the Lundazi-Chama road.

Mapili confirmed traveling to Chasefu that same day to buy groundnuts, but later changed his plans and attempted to buy a motorbike after meeting someone selling one for K23,000.

He confirmed that the motorbike was impounded at a roadblock during a road test with the owner and another passenger they had picked up along the way.

“We found a roadblock on the curve, and as I was slowing down, the officer on duty pulled us back. I failed to balance the motorbike and we all fell down,” Mapili said.

He told the court that after falling, he began exchanging insults with the officers, and one of them threatened to shoot him from behind.

Mapili said he left the owner of the motorbike identified as Lackson Phiri—and Sandra Ngwenya, a passenger they had picked up, and proceeded to Lundazi town and later to Lumezi.

He denied returning to attack the police at the security checkpoint and driving away with the police vehicle, which was allegedly later abandoned in the bush along with slippers, an axe, and a catapult.

Mapili maintained that he only learned about the stolen motor vehicle in Chasefu in December, when he was apprehended.

He stated that he was arrested at Nyaviyoyo Primary School while at home with his wife, who is a teacher at the school.

During cross-examination, State Advocate Sydney Siafwa asked the accused to try fitting into the slippers found inside the abandoned police vehicle.

The court allowed the accused to try fitting the slippers twice to confirm whether they belonged to him.

However, Justice Walubita ruled that the slippers did not fit the accused because his toes were protruding.

Earlier, during examination-in-chief, arresting officer Mabiya Masumo testified that the accused struck two police officers with projectiles from a catapult after his motorbike was impounded.

Inspector Masumo stated that Inspector Daniel Kazambe and Constable Martha Phiri were hit by catapult projectiles before the vehicle was driven away.

He said the accused initially disappeared from the crime scene after his bike was impounded, but later returned armed with an axe and a catapult to launch attacks on the officers.

Inspector Masumo added that Constable Phiri, who was seated inside the vehicle charging her phone, was dragged out and threatened by the accused.

The court adjourned the matter to September 25, 2026, for judgment.

MAYENGO NYIRENDA/ ZAMBIA DAILY MAIL
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