Police gun down murder suspect allegedly on ‘most-wanted’ list

Police in Kanyama have gunned down a murder suspect while allegedly attempting to escape police custody.

Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, said the now deceased suspect, Blessings Mwape, aged 27, was a significant figure on police most-wanted list for his alleged involvement in various crimes targeting Rwandan and Burundi nationals.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Hamoonga said Mwape was in police custody facing charges including murder and aggravated robbery among others.

“Mwape was cooperating with officers, leading them to potential recovery sites. However, during this process, he attempted to flee, prompting officers to issue verbal warnings and subsequently resort to firing warning shots,” Hamoonga narrated.

He said despite the warnings, the suspect continued his escape bid and was unfortunately struck by gunfire rendering him unconscious.

“Efforts were immediately made to provide medical attention and he was swiftly transported to the University Teaching Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel upon arrival,” Hamoonga said.

He said the deceased suspect was implicated in several criminal cases including a murder case reported on March 8, 2024 involving the death of Vincent Chota Masuwa.

Hamoonga further claimed that the suspect was involved in an aggravated robbery cases reported on March 11 and March 12 , 2024 by Henry Heritier Nuyonkuru, and Liberty Ndaisenga respectively.

He said Mwape was allegedly facing charges of malicious damage to property involving Brendah Phiri.

“During the investigation process, items such as a machete, a knife, and a toy pistol allegedly used by the suspect in the commission of these crimes were recovered,” Hamoonga said.

He stated that Mwape was leading officers to recover a pistol and stolen phones associated with his criminal activities at the time of his escape.

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