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Police in Lusaka have arrested 43 individuals for allegedly planning to protest at Parliament and for various suspected offenses committed in Chawama Compound and the surrounding areas.
According to Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, the suspects, all males aged between 17 and 31, were detained during a routine patrol.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Mwale alleged that the suspects were being transported to the Parliament building in a Rosa bus by the Socialist Party to stage a protest.
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“While on patrol along the Great East Road, police officers intercepted a Rosa bus bearing registration number ACH 3034, which had 45 passengers on board and was driven by a 32-year-old man identified as Takky Changuke of Chawama Compound,” he said.
He added that the initial number of suspects was 45; however, two individuals aged 14 and 16 were severely warned and later released at the police station.
“One of the suspects, identified as Bornwell Malambo, 26, alleged to be a Socialist Party youth mobilizer, went around Chawama Compound and managed to gather the youths,” Mwale narrated.
It is suspected that Malambo promised the other suspects money for a successful one-hour protest at Parliament.
“It is further alleged that Malambo was acting on instructions from Stanley Mubasa, a Socialist Party National Youth Spokesperson,” he stated.
Additionally, Mwale mentioned that police officers searched the bus and found empty packs and bottles of beer.
“The 43 suspects are also being interrogated for various offenses committed in Chawama Compound and the surrounding areas. Investigations have intensified,” he pointed out.
He stressed that Changuke was yet to be charged for driving a motor vehicle with expired fitness, road tax, and identity certificates.
“He is also facing charges of driving a motor vehicle with an excessive number of passengers as well as driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition. The vehicle has defective headlamps and indicators,” he added.
Mwale said police officers have been deployed in Lusaka’s Central Business District and other surrounding areas to maintain law and order.
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