FOURTEEN suspects who have just booked themselves a space in the the C5’s book after breaking out of police cells, and killing a lone officer on duty this morning.
The group also stole four motorcycles that were being kept as exhibits at Nchelenge Police Station.
Sergeant Frank Phiri, the officer on duty, was found lying unconscious and covered in blood by a fellow officer returning from patrol.
He was then rushed to St. Paul’s Mission Hospital, but doctors confirmed that he had died from severe head injuries.
Police investigations reveal that the suspects overpowered Sergeant Phiri, broke open the cell doors and fled, taking advantage of the chaos to make away with four motorcycles that had been stored as evidence at the station.
A massive manhunt has been launched, with the Luapula police deploying reinforcements and intensifying patrols across Nchelenge District.
So far, three suspects have been recaptured.
Honest Chuntu who was charged with theft, Samson Katandala, charged with assault and Sydney Namwango charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace are among those who thought they could illegally give themselves freedom.
The remaining eleven suspects are still at large.
These include Bernard Musonda, Daniel Chisala, Francis Chama, Francis Mwengelo, Geoffrey Kashimya, Jackson Chifulo, Lazarous Lubuta, Patrick Kabulo, Stephen Bupe, William Kabaso, and William Kazembe, who are facing serious charges including murder, defilement of a child, housebreaking and theft.
Deputy police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the incident and appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the escapees.
“The Luapula Province Police Command has reinforced manpower and intensified patrols across Nchelenge District,” Chilabi stated.
Chilabi said that the Zambia Police Service is mourning the loss of sergeant Phiri and extends condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.
The body of the late officer is lying in the mortuary at St. Paul’s Mission Hospital, awaiting postmortem examination as investigations continue into how the suspects managed to overpower the officer and escape.
By George Musonda
Kalemba October 26, 2025
