Four Arrested for Stock Theft in Chikankata

Four people have been arrested inChikankata Districtin connection with a case of stock theft involving suspected stolen cattle carcasses. The suspects were apprehended by officers from theDepartment of National Parks and Wildlifewhile transporting the carcasses in a motor vehicle. Those arrested have been identified asOsward Mweene, 32, ofMtendere Compound;Wheezy Katowa, 37, ofChirundu;Chipo Nga’ndu, 27, ofMunali Hills; andLuckson Hampande, 18, also from Chirundu.

According to Southern Province Commissioner of PoliceMoono Namalongo, the suspects were first intercepted on March 7, 2026, around 07:00 hours atKafue Gorge Turnoffwhile travelling in a greyToyota Noah, registration number BLC 3582. When questioned, the occupants claimed the animals came from their farm in Chilileka in Chikankata District. Later that day, a vice headman in the area reported that a member of the public had discovered blood stains and animal intestines suspected to be remains of stolen livestock, although the owner of the animals had not yet been identified.

On March 10, 2026, officers again intercepted the same vehicle in theNansenga Area. During questioning, the driver led officers to the other suspects. Namalongo said the four individuals admitted to stealing the cattle and allegedly attempted to offer an inducement to the wildlife officers in an effort to secure their release, which was declined. The suspects have since been handed over to Chikankata Police Station where they remain in custody as investigations continue to establish the rightful owners of the cattle.