Mwense police shoot 24-year-old escaping lawful detention

A 24-year-old Man of Shichama Village in Chief Kashiba’s Chiefdom of Mwense District is nursing gunshots after he was shot at by the police for attempting to escape from lawful custody. The incident happened on 24th February 2026, when Robinson Kapande, who is facing one count of theft of a motorbike jumped out of the police moving vehicle when he was being taken to court for judgement. Luapula Commissioner of Police, Davis Simwanza confirmed the incident to the media saying Kapande was currently admitted to Mansa General Hospital where he was referred for medical treatment.

Mr Simwanza said the condition of the suspect remained stable. ” This is a warning… suspects should avoid escaping lawful custody. The police are allowed to use live bullets on escapees,” Mr Simwanza said.

Kapande is alleged to have stolen a motorbike valued at K 32,000 belonging to his then employer Ishmeal Malama on 26th of November, 2025. On the 18th February 2026, the state had closed the case after the last witness, a 36-year-old Zambia National Service Officer Zikani Chilembo testified how he was approached by Kapande to witness the transaction involving the sale of the motorbike in question to Patrick Mpundu at K18, 000. The vehicle wasn’t fit for criminal transportation but thank God he wasn’t killed