By Mark Ziligone
Police have identified NUMBO MATE as the principal suspect in the murder of seven people in Lukulu District, Western Province.
Western Province Police Commanding Officer RAE HAMOONGA says the suspect is on the run and that police have launched a manhunt to locate him.
Mr. HAMOONGA has cautioned the public against harbouring the suspect, warning that anyone found assisting him could face legal action.
He says the suspect’s nephew and younger brother have been apprehended to assist with investigations.
Mr. HAMOONGA told ZNBC News that the arrests followed information gathered during investigations, including testimony from one of the survivors who positively identified the suspect during the attack.
He said the survivor, a 29-year-old woman, is admitted to Lukulu District Hospital, where she is receiving treatment for injuries sustained to her head and hand.
Meanwhile, the seven victims of the attack were laid to rest today.
The incident occurred in the early hours of June 6, when suspected criminals armed with offensive weapons allegedly set five houses ablaze.
Six people died in the fire, while a one-year-five-month-old child was allegedly killed with a hammer.
Source: ZNBC