Police kill four suspected criminals allegedly linked to Chinese national’s murder

Police in Lusaka have shot dead four suspected criminals allegedly linked to multiple aggravated robbery cases and the death of a Chinese national, Lee Long.

The four were reportedly killed in an exchange of gunfire with officers in Kasupe during a recovery operation led by the Anti-Robbery Squad and Scorpion Unit.

According to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, officers recovered several items from the suspects, including four mobile phones, a laptop, a device suspected to jam vehicle locks, and tools used for vehicle break-ins.

A fake number plate (ABJ 6584) allegedly used to conceal the real registration number (AIE 9092) was also seized.

Hamoonga stated that on February 10, 2025, around 14:30 hours, an informant alerted police that suspects in a white Toyota Allion had stolen items from a vehicle at Crossroads Mall in Lusaka. Officers tracked the car and intercepted it near Millennium Village.

“When challenged by officers, the driver attempted to flee, prompting police to fire warning shots and disable the vehicle’s tyres. One suspect sustained a minor injury and was apprehended,” Hamoonga said.

Following police interrogations, the suspects reportedly led officers to Kasupe, where they had hidden a firearm and other stolen items.

“While at Kasupe, the unrestrained suspects turned violent. One of them grabbed a rifle from an officer and fired a single chambered round, forcing officers to respond,” Hamoonga stated.

He claimed that all four suspects were neutralized while trying to escape.

Among the recovered items, a Lenovo laptop was reportedly identified by Paul Kalobwe, 53, who said it was stolen from his vehicle at Crossroads Mall earlier the same day.

Hamoonga added that the suspects were also wanted in connection with a 2024 robbery at Higer Buses Co. (Z) Ltd., where Lee Long, a 31-year-old Chinese national, was attacked and later died from his injuries.

The bodies of the suspects have been taken to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary for identification, postmortem, and burial.

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