Mongu man arrested over hammermill theft

Police in Mongu District in western province have arrested a 35-year-old man suspected of stealing a hammer mill. Western Province Police Commissioner, Rae Hamoonga, revealed that Mooto Mwangala was apprehended following investigations into the alleged theft and unlawful sale of the equipment. Mr Hamoonga disclosed that Mooto Mwangala of Kako Village under Chief Mulobela in Mongu District, was apprehended by police following investigations into the alleged theft and unlawful sale of a hammer mill belonging to the Mbekise Youth Club Lwandui Community.

“The suspect, identified as male, Mooto Mwangala, aged 35 of lwandui area, Kako village in Mongu District was apprehended following investigations into the alleged theft and unlawful sale of a hammer mill belonging to Mbekise Youth Club of Lwandui community,” he said. He noted that the matter was initially reported by Mikataxo Sikena of Lwandui village in Mongu District. The Police Commissioner added that the suspect allegedly sold the community hammer mill, which is valued at K60,000, without authority.

Further investigations revealed that the hammer mill was sold for K33,000 to Njekwa Sinyinda of Shishelwa Imalyo village, within Mongu District. Mr Hamoonga said that the police have since recovered the hammer mill from Imalyo village and have secured it at Nakanya Police Post. He added that the suspect was also found in possession of K23,270 cash, believed to be part of the money received from the sale of the hammer mill, and has been seized as exhibit.

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Mr Hamoonga commended members of the public for promptly reporting the matter to the police. “The Zambia Police Service wishes to commend members of the community for promptly reporting the matter and urges the public to safeguard community property,” Mr Hamoonga stated. The suspect remains in police custody and will appear in court soon.

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