By Sibeso Likezo
Police in Western Province have shot dead a wanted suspect during an arrest operation in Mongu after he allegedly attacked an officer with a knife while attempting to evade arrest.
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‎A wanted suspect linked to a series of serious crimes has died after being shot by police during an arrest operation in Mongu District.
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‎According to Western Province Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga, the incident occurred on Friday, July 24, around 2:00 p.m. in the Kashumba Market area after officers acted on intelligence that the suspect was staying at a guest house.
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‎Police identified the suspect only by the aliases “Asela” and “Michael Scofield,” believed to be Mununga, aged in his early twenties. He was wanted in connection with investigations into aggravated robbery, murder, rape, theft from person, and breaking offences committed in Mongu and other parts of Western Province.
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‎Mr. Hamoonga said the suspect attempted to escape by climbing through the roof of the guest house onto a neighbouring building. During the pursuit, he allegedly charged at one of the officers while armed with a knife, posing what police described as an immediate threat to the officer’s life.
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‎Mr Hamoonga says Police then discharged a firearm to neutralize the threat. The suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to Lewanika General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
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‎The Police Commissioner has warned criminals against violently resisting arrest, stating that officers will continue carrying out their constitutional duty to protect life and property. He urged suspects to surrender peacefully and appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible information to assist police in fighting crime.
ZNBC
