The Zambia Police Service writes…
March 2, 2023 – Police in Mongu recieved a report of a missing person who was identified as Judge Wilfred Kopa Muma aged 58 of Liseli area in Mongu District of Western Province.
Judge Muma is reported to have left his house on March 1, 2023 around 23:00 hours and only communicated with his relatives ‘suicide’ like messages which prompted them to alert Police to institute investigations.
A 32-year-old man only identified as Phiri of Malengwa compound in Mongu reported the case of a missing person (Judge Muma) on March 2, 2023 around 01:20 hours and immediately Police instituted investigations which led to the recovery of his official motor vehicle, a Toyota Hilux registration number GRZ 437 CX which was found abandoned at the Zambezi Bridge along the Mongu-Kalabo road with keys in the ignition.
Police officers secured the motor vehicle after a 3-hour search in the area.Initial investigations indicated that Judge Muma committed suicide by throwing himself in the Zambezi river and around 06:00 hours, Zambia Police Marine officers and members of the public were on sight again continuing with the search.
Later around 08:00 hours, Police officers received information that Judge Muma, who was heard calling for help while holding on to the grass for fear of being carried by the current in the Zambezi river, was rescued by a fisherman who was identified as Sianga Lubinda aged 32 who took him to one of the islands on the Zambezi River. He was later brought to the Bridge where he abandoned his motor vehicle using a canoe by the fishermen and was handed over to the officers who were together with other members of the public.
He was rushed to Lewanika General Hospital where he is currently receiving medical attention.
Police have opened an inquiry file into the matter.
Danny Mwale,
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer