A wanted suspect identified only by the aliases “Asela” and “Michael Scofield” has died after being shot during a police arrest operation in Mongu District, Western Province.
According to police, the suspect, believed to be in his early twenties, was wanted in connection with several serious offences under investigation, including aggravated robbery, murder, rape, theft from person and breaking offences allegedly committed in Mongu and other parts of Western Province.
Police say officers launched an operation after receiving intelligence that the suspect had booked accommodation at a guest house in the Kashumba area. Upon noticing the officers, the suspect allegedly attempted to escape by climbing through the roof of the guest house onto a neighbouring building.
Western Province Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga says the suspect later charged at one of the officers while armed with a knife, posing an immediate threat to the officer’s safety.
Mr. Hamoonga says officers discharged a firearm during the confrontation, injuring the suspect, who was rushed to Lewanika General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, police have warned individuals involved in violent criminal activities against resisting arrest.
By Mike Mwendachabe
