By Arnold Tutu
Police have arrested former Chavuma Member of Parliament VICTOR LUMAYI for allegedly going armed in public at a nomination centre in North-Western Province.
Zambia Police spokesperson GODFREY CHILABI says officers apprehended Mr. LUMAYI on May 24 around 17:30 hours in Chavuma District.
In a statement to ZNBC News today, Mr. CHILABI said the suspect allegedly entered the Chavuma District Council Offices on May 20 around 08:30 hours while carrying a firearm during parliamentary nominations for Chavuma Constituency.
The council offices were serving as a nomination centre for the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
He said Mr. LUMAYI allegedly entered the premises without lawful authority while armed, causing fear and alarm among members of the public.
Mr. CHILABI said officers recovered a Taurus pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition from the suspect.
He said police have detained Mr. LUMAYI in custody and expect him to appear in court soon.
In a separate incident, police in Kalumbila District arrested REDSON SISALA, 45, for allegedly going armed in public at the Kalumbila Town Council Civic Centre during parliamentary and mayoral nominations.
Mr. CHILABI said the incident occurred between 13:30 hours and 14:00 hours on May 21 at the civic centre, which the Electoral Commission of Zambia was using as a nomination centre.
Police alleged that Mr. SISALA openly carried a firearm at the venue, causing panic and disrupting proceedings.
Officers recovered a 9mm Girsan pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition from the suspect.
Mr. CHILABI said police later released Mr. SISALA on bond pending his court appearance.
He added that police also arrested seven other suspects in Kalumbila District for idle and disorderly conduct in connection with the same incident.
The suspects face charges under Section 178(f) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
ZNBC
