TWO suspected members of the notorious criminal gang known as "Chipandule" have been shot dead after they allegedly attempted to free a suspect from police custody at SOS Police Post in Matero. Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the incident occurred on July 31, 2026, at about 21:50 hours. Mr Chilabi said preliminary investigations indicate that

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TWO suspected members of the notorious criminal gang known as “Chipandule” have been shot dead after they allegedly attempted to free a suspect from police custody at SOS Police Post in Matero.

Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the incident occurred on July 31, 2026, at about 21:50 hours. Mr Chilabi said preliminary investigations indicate that about four male suspects stormed the police post and demanded the release of their associate, Sailas Izukanji Simutenda, who was being held in custody. He said the suspects, armed with machetes and knives, attempted to seize a service firearm from a police officer, posing an immediate threat to the officer and other people at the police post. “A struggle ensued, during which the officer discharged his firearm, fatally wounding two of the suspects. The remaining suspects fled the scene,” Mr Chilabi said. He identified the deceased as Vincent Muwana, alias Bino, and Steven, alias Soldier, both of Matero. Mr Chilabi said the two suspects were rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. He said preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased were wanted in connection with several criminal offences, including aggravated robbery, theft from motor vehicles and housebreaking in Matero and surrounding areas. “They were also believed to be members of a notorious criminal gang known as ‘Chipandule’. The most recent incident linked to them was an aggravated robbery reported along Nguba Road on July 30, 2026, in which a 42-year-old man was shot and robbed of K40,000 cash, an HP laptop and a SIG Sauer 9mm pistol,” Mr Chilabi said. He said the bodies of the deceased are lying in the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem examinations. Mr Chilabi said investigations into the matter are ongoing and police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects who fled the scene. He warned that any person who attacks police officers, interferes with lawful police operations or assists in the escape of suspects from lawful custody will face the full force of the law. Advertisement Advertise here Reach readers inside premium article pages.

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