Police in Eastern Province are offering “free accommodation” to a Catholic priest of Chipata Diocese after he was found driving a Toyota Hilux which was reported stolen from Ukwimi Catholic Parish in Petauke District last year.
Father Simon Tembo, 31, was intercepted in the early hours of yesterday, around the witchcraft hour of 03:00 hours at Mwami Road checkpoint while driving a white Toyota Hilux bearing registration number BAK 4227.
Police officers became suspicious after noticing that the vehicle had a damaged left headlamp and left fender which prompted officers to conduct further checks.
During questioning, Fr Tembo told officers that he had hit a cow in Katete but failed to report the accident for fear that his boss, Bishop Lungu would discover his whereabouts.
However, when contacted, Bishop Lungu reportedly revealed that the vehicle in question had earlier been involved in a fatal road traffic accident last week in which Father Astone Tembo died and that it was beyond repair.
The conflicting information led officers to take the vehicle to Chipata Central Police Station for inspection.
Police later established that the chassis and engine numbers on the vehicle matched those of a Toyota Hilux stolen from Ukwimi Catholic Parish on April 30, 2025, while it was parked outside the church.
The vehicle is valued at K700,000.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the arrest, saying the clergyman is in custody.
“It is alleged that on 19th April, 2026, in Chipata District, the suspect was found in possession of a motor vehicle which was stolen from Ukwimi Catholic Parish in Petauke District,” said Mweemba.
He added that the suspect will appear in court soon as investigations continue.
This latest incident reveals a worrying obsession some Catholic priests seem to have for the Hilux otherwise known as “ichipaso”.
Not too long ago, Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, without any questions, readily accepted a Toyota Hilux from his PF comrades who had dubiously gotten it from the Zambia Revenue Authority, only for the Drug Enforcement Commission to grab the vehicle from the priest.
By George Musonda
Kalemba April 20, 2026
