SIXTEEN members of an alleged criminal gang known as Team Mafia comprising young people, including three women, have been detained in Ndola for various offences.
The 16 are among the 24, who were apprehended over the weekend, for various criminal activities, which include malicious damage and assault.
This followed an operation conducted on Saturday and Sunday in Ndola’s Masala and Kabushi. Copperbelt police commanding officer Peacewell Mweemba said the operation, which took place between 19:30 hours and 04:30 hours, targeted criminal gangs that have been terrorising the public.
He said one resident who had lodged a complaint with police against members of Team Mafia was able to identify them.
“They have been charged with the offence of malicious damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm after they were positively identified by one complainant who lodged complaints at Kaloko Police Post on Friday,” Mr Mweemba said.
However, the gang members are expected to face more charges as more complainants are expected to identify them. Those arrested are Gift Nkonde, 20, of Masala, Medson Chabala, 24, of Kabushi, Musenga Chewe, 21, of Mushili, Wisdom Kameko, 37, of Masala, Robert Nyirenda, 24, of Main Masala.
The female members of the gang have been identified as Catherine Mwanza, 24, of Main Masala, Ruth Lupiya, 25, of Tug Argan Barracks, and Evelyn Kasakula, 32, of Main Masala.
Mr Mweemba also said two ring leaders – Ronald Kalasa, also known as Dado, 20, of Masala Mangwana, and Robert Nyirenda, 21, popularly called Termy Soldier, of Teachers Compound in Main Masala Market – were apprehended.
The rest are Evans Ziwa, 21, of Main Masala, Aaron Banda, 30, of Kanyanje Ndola, Moses Tembo, 21, of Masala, Royd Kamana, 21, of Maiteke Masala market, Abraham Chisanga, 28, of Kabushi, and Moses Chabu, 21, of Kabushi.
Mr Mweemba said the suspects are currently detained at Masala Police Station while investigations continue.
Zambia Daily Mail
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