Debt-ridden cop turns to aggravated robbery to raise money 

WITH shrewd shylocks constantly knocking on his door for their money, a police officer based at Chelstone Police Station turned to aggravated robbery to raise some quick money.

Unfortunately, it ended in an arrest for Kamfinsa-trained Constable Joel Kambayi aged 36 and his four accomplices.

Zambia Police Service source who are close to the matter told Kalemba that after long weekend, Joel Kambayi withdrew an AK 47 firearm and drove to Chisamba.

Instead of using the firearm to protect property and the people, Kambayi recruited four other accomplices and stormed a grocery store operated by a Congolese national where they introduced themselves as immigration officers.

When the suspicious shop owner hesitated to cooperate, Kambayi threatened him with the firearm and forced a K5,000 out of their frightened victim identified as Kubwimana Alain Moise aged 43.

Sources told Kalemba that Kambayi and his colleagues made away with K5,000 cash, a silver Toyota Regius valued at K37,000 along with a black and yellow Samsung phone at the cost of k300, bringing the total value to k42,300.

After accomplishing their mission, the group later abducted Moise together with another female Congolese national named Kaje Josee aged 38.

But as Kambayi and company were escaping, someone tipped off local police and they started trailing the robbers.

This forced Kambayi and company to abandon the stolen vehicle till they managed to escape danger for a short while.

However, the police later intercepted them while they were using an unregistered white Toyota Sienta at Munano Council Security Check Point.

Kambayi was arrested with one of his counterparts, a taxi driver residing in Lusaka’s Chelstone area identified as Choolwe Matonka aged 32.

“K5,000, (a) Samsung phone and one Toyota Regius have since been recovered, inclusive of one AK 47 rifle serial no.37817 by 3 rounds of ammunition” police disclosed.

The suspects are likely to be charged for aggravated robbery and Kambayi will be returned to to Chelstone police, not as as an officer but a prisoner after 13 years uninterrupted duty as a cop.

CAPTION: Kambayi on duty as a police officer before his arrest.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba May 17, 2023