Cop faces murder charge over Kamanga riots death

A ZAMBIA Police reserve officer who recently shot a 17-year-old boy of Kamanga Compound in Lusaka during a riot has been arrested and charged with murder, Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo has disclosed.

And Mr Kampyongo told Parliament yesterday that police officers were trained how and when to use firearms and anyone guilty of taking life illegally would be prosecuted.

Mr Kampyongo said this when he delivered a ministerial statement on incidences involving police shootings in Lusaka and North-Western Province, and an update on mobile issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs).

He explained that police in the early hours of September 27 fought running battles with residents of Kamanga compound in Chelstone after reserve police officers and members of the neighbourhood watch went to close a night club which was operating after the stipulated hours. In the confusion, a stray bullet caught Timothy Zulu aged 17 years who later died.

Mr Kampyongo said the unfortunate development resulted in riotous behaviour by the mob which went and attacked a local police post and smashed vehicles and injured some officers.

“Investigations were immediately instituted. The police reserve officer involved in the shooting of a juvenile has been arrested and charged with murder,” Mr Kampyongo said.

He said rioters had been arrested and would appear in court soon.