Two suspected criminals have been shot dead after they allegedly attempted to free a suspect from police custody during a violent confrontation at SOS Police Post in Matero, Lusaka. According to Zambia Police, the incident occurred on Thursday night when four men reportedly stormed the police post demanding the release of a suspect who was […]

Two suspected criminals have been shot dead after they allegedly attempted to free a suspect from police custody during a violent confrontation at SOS Police Post in Matero, Lusaka.

According to Zambia Police, the incident occurred on Thursday night when four men reportedly stormed the police post demanding the release of a suspect who was being detained.

Police say the group was armed with machetes and knives and allegedly attempted to overpower officers on duty.

In a statement, Zambia Police Service spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the suspects allegedly tried to seize a service firearm from one of the officers, leading to a struggle.

During the confrontation, the officer discharged his weapon, fatally wounding two of the suspects while the other two managed to escape.

The deceased have been identified as Vincent Muwana, popularly known as “Bino,” and Steven, also known as “Soldier,” both residents of Matero.

The two were rushed to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Mr Chilabi said preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased were wanted by police in connection with several criminal offences, including aggravated robbery, theft from motor vehicles and housebreaking committed in Matero and surrounding areas.

Police have further linked the two suspects to the notorious criminal gang known as “Chipandule,” which has allegedly been involved in a series of violent crimes in Lusaka.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspects were also connected to an aggravated robbery reported along Nguba Road on July 30, during which a 42-year-old man was shot before being robbed of K40,000 in cash, an HP laptop and a SIG Sauer 9mm pistol.

The bodies of the deceased have since been taken to the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the two remaining suspects who fled the scene during the confrontation.

Mr Chilabi warned that the Zambia Police Service will not tolerate attacks on law enforcement officers or attempts to interfere with lawful police operations.

He stressed that anyone who attacks police officers, interferes with police duties or attempts to free suspects from lawful custody will face the full force of the law.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.