TWO elderly women of Bauleni Compound in Lusaka have this morning been left traumatised after coming face-to-face with death as a paramilitary police officer lost his senses and disrupted the peaceful atmosphere with unprovoked gunfire using his government-issued AK-47 assault rifle.
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According to witnesses, the officer’s unexpected explosive gunfire created panic and triggered a rare and chaotic run-for-your-life marathon pitting the elderly, the youth, the differently able-bodied as well as the dogs, chickens and goats on the street of the sprawling compound.
From the incident, two shaken elderly women have narrated to Kalemba how they felt bullets fly past their aged bodies, but luckily, they will remain residents of Bauleni instead of neighbouring Leopards Hill Cemetery, because non of them were hit.
But unlike in the movies where such characters walk away untouched, the officer’s real-life script took a twist when furious residents turned into instant lawmen, pounced on him, and bundled him up like a sack of mealie-meal.
As confirmed by Zambia Police Service spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the cop in question, identified as Constable Zuka, allegedly fired several shots in the air around 06:30 hours, sending early risers into a frenzy of fear as they scrambled for safety.
But while some chose the fast route to survival, a handful of brave residents decided to confront the danger head-on.
According to eyewitnesses, the officer tried to resist arrest and put up a fight, but the angry mob, powered by fear and fury, overpowered him, airlifted him shoulder high and delivered him to Bauleni Police Post.
He was later transferred to Woodlands Police station by Bauleni Police post where he is now cooling off behind bars.
Hamoonga said the officer was immediately disarmed and taken into custody.
“The Zambia Police Service strongly condemns any form of misconduct by its officers and reiterates its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and accountability,” he stated.
The AK47 rifle used in the commotion has since been recovered and secured.
Zuka, now detained at Woodlands Main Police Station, is expected to appear in court soon and will be charged accordingly.
As the law takes its course, Bauleni residents have earned their own badge of honour for flipping the script and reminding trigger-happy officers that the uniform is not a license for lawlessness.
By George Musonda
Kalemba June 21, 2025
