By Ollus Ndomu
A fatal police shooting in Kasama, Northern Province, has sparked unrest, with residents accusing officers of excessive force after a stray bullet killed a suspected criminal. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon as police pursued suspects reported to be harassing business owners and extorting money in the area.
According to police accounts, officers were alerted by locals and tracked the group to Chambeshi Market in the Location Compound. However, upon seeing the officers, the suspects fled in an unregistered white vehicle, prompting a high-speed chase through town. Police fired warning shots, but the suspects ignored them and continued driving recklessly, endangering other road users.
In an attempt to stop the vehicle, police aimed at the tires but accidentally hit the driver, later identified as Bwalya Mukuka, believed to be between 25 and 36 years old. Mukuka was rushed to Kasama General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His companions abandoned the scene, fleeing on foot as officers attended to the injured driver.
The announcement of Mukuka’s death triggered angry protests in Kasama, with residents taking to the streets, decrying what they called police brutality. Police confirmed the incident but emphasized that order was restored swiftly.
“The body of the deceased has been deposited at Kasama General Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem and burial. An inquiry has been opened, and investigations are ongoing,” said Godfrey Chilabi, assistant public relations officer for the Zambia Police Service.
Local sources allege that Mukuka had been conducting criminal activities under the guise of being affiliated with the ruling UPND party, adding to the political sensitivity surrounding the case.
The incident highlights growing tensions between police and communities in the area, with many calling for accountability amid claims of abuse of power by law enforcement.
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