LUSAKA law enforcement officers have foiled a ‘Brutal’ heist after uncovering a truck overflowing with stolen Brutal Fruit beer.
Seven individuals are now facing charges in connection with the case and will unfortunately have a longer weekend than most Zambians during this Easter holidays.
According to authorities the case unfolded on Wednesday when vigilant police officers on patrol discovered a Dutro light truck brimming with close to 300 cases of the popular beverage.
The sweet, syrupy scent of justice must have hung heavy in the air as officers swooped in near Lumumba Road.
“270 cases of Brutal Fruit beer were found inside a Dutro containerized light truck bearing registration number BLB 9777 on March 27, 2024 around 23:00 hours by Police officers who intercepted the truck while conducting patrols along Lumumba road,” police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale revealed.
“After interrogations, the driver of the truck, identified as Enerst Chalwe, aged 33, of Garden house in Lusaka, led officers to Zambia Breweries Limited where the theft allegedly occurred.”
Six employees of the brewery, including a forklift operator, were apprehended for their role in the alleged pilfering.
It appears a batch of 286 Brutal Fruit beers went rogue around 18:00 hours on Wednesday, but their sticky escape was short-lived.
All seven suspects are currently in police custody, awaiting their day in court. The recovered beer has been secured, and the truck itself has been impounded as the investigation continues.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba March 29, 2024
