By White Luhanga
Three people in Petauke District of Eastern Province, have been injured after being beaten by a mob on suspicion of stealing seven head of cattle valued at K44,000.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating it occurred on August 16, 2025, around 21:00 hours at Mwambezi Village, Chief Mwanjawantu.
According to Mr. Mweemba, Makenzi Tembo, 46, reported that his seven head of cattle were stolen by three men identified as Patrick Lungu, 46, Mabvuto Banda, 38, and Nelson Daka, 33, all from Mwambezi Village.
The facts of the matter are that on August 16, 2025, at 18:00 hours, Mr. Tembo secured his cattle in a kraal.
Later, around 21:00 hours, when he went to check on his cattle, he discovered that the seven head of cattle had been stolen.
Mr. Mweemba says Mr. Tembo, with the help of others, instituted a search and found Patrick Lungu in Kanjoma Village with the stolen cattle heading to an unknown destination on August 17, 2025, around 06:00 hours.
The Police Commissioner says Lungu was apprehended by the public, and upon questioning, he claimed Mabvuto Banda and Nelson Daka gave him the seven head of cattle.He says the community also apprehended the other two suspects and later informed the police.
Mr. Mweemba says that by the time the police arrived, the suspects had been beaten by the mob.
He says Nelson Daka sustained a deep cut on the head, Patrick Lungu had a painful leg, and Mabvuto Banda complained of body pains.
The suspects were taken to Petauke District Hospital for medical attention and are in stable condition.
He says the three have been arrested, and a docket has been opened.The suspects will appear in court soon.
NB: Picture for illustration ©️Zambia Reports | August 18th, 2025