Police confirm Yuyi Mwala’s arrest, charge former Copperbelt police boss in US$448,596 copper case

What began as widespread speculation following the abrupt transfer of former Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner Yuyi Mwala has now been officially confirmed by the Zambia Police Service.

Days after Mwala was quietly redeployed from the Copperbelt to Lusaka without any explanation, police have announced that he has been arrested and charged with one count of Theft by Public Servant in connection with the alleged theft of 436 copper cathodes valued at approximately US$448,596.

Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi said Mwala is among six suspects arrested following investigations into the copper consignment, which was recovered in the Mokambo area of Mufulira District between March 6 and 9, 2026.

According to police, the copper cathodes were being transported from the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa when they were allegedly diverted into Zambia. Investigations established that after the consignment had been placed in police custody, it was allegedly released through a fraudulent disposal process before later being auctioned, despite the owner having already been identified.

Besides Mwala, those arrested are police officers Patrick Muti and Boniface Nchimunya, Clerk of Court Obrian Chipunza, Magistrate Edward Banda, and businessman Daniel Makina.

The six suspects face various charges, including Theft by Public Servant, Giving False Information to a Public Officer and Receiving Property Suspected to Have Been Stolen. Police said all remain in custody and are expected to appear in court.

The official announcement brings clarity to days of intense public speculation that followed Mwala’s unexpected removal from the Copperbelt command, where he had become one of Zambia’s most recognisable and controversial provincial police commissioners.

His transfer, announced earlier this week alongside the appointment of former Police Service spokesperson Rae Hamoonga as the new Copperbelt Police Commissioner, initially attracted widespread attention after no reasons were given for the redeployment. Hours later, social media platforms were flooded with claims alleging that Mwala had been arrested, reports that remained unverified until Thursday’s confirmation by the Zambia Police Service.

Mwala’s tenure on the Copperbelt was marked by repeated confrontations with opposition political parties, particularly during the 2026 general election campaign. Opposition leaders frequently accused police under his command of selectively enforcing the law, frustrating opposition campaign activities and failing to act decisively against perpetrators of political violence. Mwala consistently rejected those allegations, insisting that police acted professionally and impartially in enforcing the law.

Among the incidents that drew national attention was the vandalism of vehicles belonging to the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity campaign team in Kitwe, after which opposition leaders accused police of failing to arrest those responsible. Another flashpoint came in Ndola’s Twapia Township, where police arrested several opposition supporters after what authorities described as an unauthorised procession. Mwala maintained that the party’s rally had proceeded without interference and that police intervened only to stop an unlawful road procession.

The former commissioner had also attracted criticism during earlier provincial postings, where opposition parties accused police under his command of selectively applying the Public Order Act and restricting political activities. Police consistently maintained that their actions were guided solely by the need to preserve public order.

Former Nkana Member of Parliament and Tonse Alliance presidential affairs chairperson Binwell Mpundu, who publicly clashed with Mwala during this year’s election campaign, said the development should be viewed as a lesson in humility rather than an occasion for celebration.

In a statement issued after police confirmed the arrest, Mpundu said he had no intention of rejoicing over Mwala’s predicament despite their well-publicised disagreements.

“I have lived long enough to recognise the signs when someone’s downfall may be approaching. As the saying goes, arrogance often comes before a fall,” Mpundu wrote.

He recalled a previous exchange with the former commissioner, saying he still remembered being told that he could “go to the moon and back,” a remark he said had reflected Mwala’s attitude during their earlier confrontation.

Mpundu nevertheless said he sympathised with the former police chief and stressed that every citizen was entitled to due process and a fair hearing.

“I do not kick a person when they are down,” he said.

He added that the arrest should serve as a reminder that power and public office are temporary, and that humility, respect, accountability and fairness should always guide those entrusted with authority.

The matter is expected to proceed before the courts, where the allegations against Mwala and his co-accused will be determined. Under Zambian law, all accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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