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POLICE have confirmed the death of an armed wanted suspect who was shot in an attempt to prevent him from harming law enforcers who wanted to apprehend him.
The suspect was wanted in connection with several serious criminal offences under investigation, including aggravated robbery.
Zambia Police Service Western Division Police Command commissioner of police Rae Hamoonga said in a statement the shooting happened yesterday.
“Yesterday July 24, 2026 at approximately 14:31 hours, Mongu Central Police Station recorded a report concerning a shooting incident that occurred around 14:00 hours in the Kashumba Market area of Mongu District.
“The incident involved a male suspect, only identified by the aliases “Hustler” and “Michael Scofield,” believed to be Mununga, aged in his early twenties,” Mr Hamoonga said.
The deceased was a wanted suspect in connection with several serious criminal offences under investigation, including aggravated robbery, murder, rape, theft from person, and breaking offences committed within Mongu and other parts of Western Province.
“Acting on credible intelligence that the suspect had booked accommodation at a guest house in the Kashumba area, police officers mounted an operation to effect his lawful arrest.
Upon noticing the officers, the suspect fled by climbing through the roof of the guest house onto a neighbouring building in an attempt to evade arrest”.
During the pursuit, he charged at one of the police officers while armed with a knife, posing an immediate threat to the officer’s life and safety.
“Faced with an imminent danger and in the lawful execution of their duties, the officers discharged a firearm in an effort to neutralize the threat” Mr Hamoonga said.
The suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately rushed to Lewanika General Hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“The Service in Western Police further issues a stern warning to individuals engaged in violent criminal activities that law enforcement officers will not relent in their constitutional duty to protect life and property.
Criminals are strongly advised to surrender peacefully whenever confronted by police”.
Mr Hamoonga said any attempt to violently resist arrest or attack police officers or members of the public may attract a lawful and proportionate response.
(Mwebantu, Saturday, 25th July, 2026)
