Lusaka court jails three for armed robberies; police killings alleged in trial

The Lusaka High Court has sentenced three men to lengthy prison terms for a series of violent robberies committed across the city in 2019.

High Court Judge Ruth Chibbabbuka handed 20-year prison sentences to Derrick Mbewe—also known in Matero Township as “Dericko”—and his co-accused, Michael Nkhoma.

A third accused, George Shumba, received a 15-year term on two counts. The sentences are effective from August 29, 2019, the date of their arrest.

The trio faced eight counts of aggravated robbery under Section 294 (2) of the Penal Code.

Mbewe and Nkhoma were convicted on all eight counts and handed 20 years for each, though the sentences will run concurrently.

The charges stem from a string of coordinated robberies in August 2019. Armed with an AK-47 rifle, machetes, and a taser, the gang targeted individuals and businesses across Lusaka—stealing cash, mobile phones, and valuables while threatening victims with extreme violence.

In one attack, Mbewe and Nkhoma reportedly stormed M & C Minimart, brandishing a rifle and making off with K4,600 in cash.

Several similar robberies were carried out on the same day, with multiple victims later identifying the suspects during a police lineup.

The prosecution relied on testimony from victims and police officers, who traced the suspects through a black BMW allegedly used in the robberies.

The court found the identification process credible and free of irregularities.

However, the trial took a dramatic turn when Mbewe, in his defense, alleged that police officers killed a key suspect—Sydney Sakala—during the investigation.

He testified that on August 30, 2019, police picked up Sakala, who was later shot dead by an officer known as “Barbed Wire,” allegedly under orders from a senior officer.

According to Mbewe, Sakala had threatened to expose the senior officer’s involvement in supplying bullets to criminals, prompting the execution at Chunga Cemetery.

Mbewe further claimed he was nearly killed as well, but was spared when another officer objected. He alleged he was then detained without charge and offered release in exchange for surrendering his vehicle—an offer he refused.

“Sydney revealed that the senior officer was supplying him with bullets. The officer then told his subordinate, Wezi Chiwale—nicknamed Barbed Wire—to ‘delete’ him,” Mbewe said. “Chiwale then shot Sydney in the chest.”

Despite the sensational claims, the court ruled that the allegations were unsubstantiated and inconsistent, noting a lack of supporting evidence and cross-examination.

Judge Chibbabbuka stated that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing the robberies as “carefully coordinated and marked by extreme violence.”

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