The Zambia Police Service has reported a significant reduction in crime during the just ended 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show, with criminal cases falling by more than 50 percent compared to last year’s event.
According to a report released by Zambia police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, a total of 32 criminal cases and one road traffic accident were recorded during the six day event held from July 29 to August 3, 2026, at the Showgrounds in Lusaka under the theme, “Fostering Trade and Investment.”
Police note that reported criminal cases dropped from 65 during the 2025 Agricultural and Commercial Show to 32 this year, representing a 50.8 percent reduction.
The estimated value of property reported stolen also decreased from K339,590 in 2025 to K183,950 this year.
Police say the highest number of cases was recorded on Sunday, August 2, when 16 incidents were reported. No cases were recorded on Wednesday, while two cases were reported on Thursday, three on Friday, four on Saturday and seven on Monday.
The report indicates that theft from persons was the most common offence, accounting for 21 of the 32 criminal cases, with stolen mobile phones making up the majority of the incidents. Six other theft cases involving laptops, groceries and personal property were also recorded.
Other reported offences include one case of theft by servant involving 13 tins of black shoe polish valued at K990, three cases of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one case of tampering with a motor vehicle and malicious damage.
Police also recorded one road traffic accident involving a pedestrian at the main entrance to the Showgrounds.
A total of 19 mobile phones were reported stolen during the exhibition, with 10 thefts occurring on Sunday alone. Other stolen items include six handbags, three laptops, groceries, cash and personal documents.
The Zambia Police Service arrested 12 suspects in connection with various offences committed during the show. Among the arrests was a suspect allegedly found tampering with a parked motor vehicle, from whom police recovered a break-in instrument believed to have been used in the offence.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts to recover more stolen property and apprehend additional suspects are ongoing.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
