A 27 year old suspect has joined a collection of several of his colleagues whose lives have been permanently formated from mother earth after attempting to escape the hands of police during a recovery mission.
Blessings Mwape alias Tabuda, an alleged crime trophy holder in Lusaka’s Kanyama Compound, wanted for murder, robbery, and other crimes against Rwandan and Burundian residents, was shot dead by police as he tried to make run for it.
It is reported that Mwape attempted to escape police custody on an April 2 around 23:00 hours but he could not escape the Chipolopolo that later struck him.
Initially cooperative, Mwape led officers to potential evidence sites at night. However, he suddenly tried to flee.
According to authorities Police officers issued verbal warnings and eventually fired shots to stop him but his ears could not stop the locomotive function of the body to be at inertia.
Dark as it may be the officers utlised their Infrared eyes at night using their sharp vision and unfortunately hit the bull’s eye, as a bullet penetrated through Mwape, halting his motion, while his voice that started with a high pitch slowly reduced in volume.
“Efforts were immediately made to provide medical attention, and he was swiftly transported to the University Teaching Hospital,” Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said.
“Tragically, upon arrival, he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.”
Hamoonga revealed that Mwape, the deceased suspect was implicated in several criminal cases, including: the murder of Vincent Masuwa on March 8.
Other offences included an aggravated robberies and a case of malicious damage to property.
“During the investigation process, items such as a machete, a knife, and a toy pistol allegedly used by the suspect in the commission of these crimes were recovered.”
“At the time of his escape, Mr Mwape was leading officers to recover a pistol and stolen phones associated with his criminal activities,” said Hamoonga.
Police expressed condolences to those affected and vowed to pursue justice.
The body of the deceased is currently at the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem examination and subsequent burial arrangements.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba April 5, 2024
