An unknown quantity of fertilizer has been looted after a truck carrying inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) overturned along the Samfya-Tuta Main Road in Changwena area.
Luapula Province Police Commanding Officer Lucky Munkondya disclosed to diamond tv that the incident happened around 04:30 hours today in Changwena Village, Chief Kalasamukoso’s area.
Ms Munkondya said the accident involved a white Howo truck, registration number BCE 6810, and trailer registration number ARD 4790, belonging to Blue Ocean Company of Lusaka.
She said the truck was carrying an unknown quantity of fertilizer when its driver, identified as 36-year-old Joseph Phiri of Mandevu Compound in Lusaka, allegedly dozed off and lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn.
Ms Munkondya said Mr Phiri sustained a cut on the head and complained of general body pains before he was rushed to Musaila Mini Hospital for medical attention.
She disclosed that some bags of fertilizer fell from the truck and were damaged during the accident, while others were allegedly removed from the scene by unknown people before the arrival of police officers.
Ms Munkondya said officers from Samfya Police Station visited the accident scene around 07:00 hours and found several damaged bags of fertilizer scattered along the road.
She said police were yet to establish the exact number of bags that were on the truck because the driver was still in a state of shock and could not remember the quantity.
Ms Munkondya further disclosed that the delivery note for the consignment could not be located.
She said police had since launched investigations to establish the exact quantity of fertilizer involved and identify the people suspected of looting the consignment
By Kalombe Kapambwe
