Two separate murder cases, one involving a political party supporter and another a driver, are under investigation by the Zambia Police Service following incidents in Northern and Southern provinces.
In Kaputa District, Northern Province, police have launched investigations into the death of a United Party for National Development (UPND) supporter who was allegedly killed during a clash with supporters of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP).
According to Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, the incident occurred on June 29 at around 19:35 hours at Pump House Village and was reported to Kaputa Police Station by Joseph Chileshe of Kaputa Boma.
Police say preliminary investigations indicate that a group of UPND supporters, including the deceased, Humphrey Lwisha of Shadreck Village, travelled from Kaputa Boma to Pump House Village where they encountered NRPUP supporters at a drinking place.
A fight allegedly broke out between the two groups, during which Lwisha sustained a stab wound to the head. He was rushed to Kaputa District Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
His body has since been deposited in the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Mr. Chilabi has said police have apprehended ten suspects in connection with the incident, while investigations continue to identify and arrest other people believed to have been involved.
He adds that police reinforcements have been deployed to Kaputa District to maintain peace and order as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, police in Mazabuka District are investigating the murder of 31 year old Stanley Sakala of Lusaka, who was serving as a driver for an independent aspiring Member of Parliament for Magoye East Constituency, Confucius Mweene.
The matter was reported to Chivuna Police Post under Mazabuka Central Police Station in the early hours of June 30.
According to preliminary investigations, Mr. Mweene and the deceased returned to their campaign camp in Chivuna after a political programme and parked their vehicle before retiring for the night.
Police say a struggle was later heard from the deceased’s room around midnight. He was subsequently found lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut to his neck.
Officers who visited the scene confirmed the death, and the body was taken to Mazabuka General Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Police have since launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and to apprehend those responsible.
The Zambia Police Service has condemned the violence and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as inquiries into both cases continue.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
