On September 12, 2024, Woodlands Police Station successfully arrested four Zimbabwean nationals in connection with a series of motor vehicle thefts. The suspects, identified as Prince Dube (32), George Chuma (49), Fortune Maswabi (43), all of Libala South, and Mudududzi Moyo (40) of Chalala, were apprehended at 13:00 hours while driving a grey Toyota Mark X with registration number BCE 5455.
A search of the vehicle uncovered items including a set of number plates (CAE 3495), a drilling machine, a riveting machine, double-sided tape, and rivets. The suspects have been linked to several recent thefts from vehicles at shopping malls across Lusaka, notably in Woodlands and Kabulonga.
Key incidents include:
- On July 25, 2024, a white Toyota Allion belonging to Mr. Kelvin Phiri, a ZAF officer, was broken into at Puma Filling Station, Long Acres, with K305,000 stolen.
- On June 1, 2024, a Toyota Hilux owned by Mr. Christopher Chitambala was targeted at Lewanika Mall, resulting in the theft of K130,621.
- On August 23, 2024, a Mercedes Benz belonging to Mr. Joseph Ngosa was broken into at Kings Highway, SDA New Kasama, with K50,000 stolen.
CCTV footage has confirmed that the suspects match the individuals involved in these crimes. Investigations are ongoing, with several other cases being reviewed. The Zambia Police Service urges the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities.
Rae Hamoonga
Police Public Relations Officer
