Police crack down on crime, arrest 776 in Operation Thunderbolt

The Zambia Police Service has arrested 776 suspects for Idle and Disorderly Conduct during a city-wide crackdown.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, stated that police stations across Lusaka Urban District conducted extensive foot and motorized patrols, leading to the arrests.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Hamoonga explained that the operation, supervised by the Lusaka Division Police Command, was part of an effort to combat crime and target junkies who have been terrorizing the public.

“The objective of the operation, dubbed Thunderbolt Operation, was to restore public safety and rid the streets of criminal elements. As a result, 776 individuals were apprehended for Idle and Disorderly Conduct,” Hamoonga said.

He added that the suspects were undergoing screening to determine any involvement in additional criminal activities.

“Fingerprints are being taken from all suspects to cross-check against existing criminal records,” he noted.

Hamoonga emphasized that those found with serious offenses would face prosecution, while those charged solely with Idle and Disorderly Conduct would be fined under the Admission of Guilt procedure.

Additionally, the police arrested Suzgo Mbale, 43, of House No. 49, Kabulonga Extension, for the offense of using insulting language.

“On Thursday, Mbale published a video on TikTok under the account name @Mbaleone, in which he used insulting language,” Hamoonga said, adding that the suspect is currently in lawful custody.

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