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Muchinga Province police commanding officer Dennis Moola confirmed the escape and shooting incident in a statement yesterday. Mr Moola said preliminary investigations indicate that 10 male suspects who were in lawful custody for various criminal offences escaped after police officers opened the cell grill to distribute food.
The suspects forcibly pushed their way out of the cell and fled from the police station. “About 10 suspects on Saturday escaped from lawful custody for various criminal offences. In the process to rearrest them, three were shot dead,” he said. Mr Moola said police officers fired several warning shots in an effort to stop the suspects from fleeing, but that they continued running.
He said three suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to Nakonde District Hospital, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival. Mr Moola identified the deceased as Christopher Simfukwe, 33, who was facing an aggravated robbery charge, James Paka, 28, who was detained for illegal entry into Zambia, and Kangwa Kangwa, 38, who was charged with possession of counterfeit banknotes.
He said following the incident, police instituted search operations, which led to the recapture of three suspects. The recaptured suspects are Nkwiza Sinkala, 19, charged with possession of an offensive weapon, Willard Siame, 21, and Edward Sikanyika, 33, both of whom were facing a murder charge.
Mr Moola said four other suspects charged with theft, assault and murder are still on the run and police have launched a manhunt for them. He assured the public that safety measures have been put in place as the remaining suspects are still being pursued.
