Two suspected criminals have been shot dead after police say a group armed with machetes and knives tried to free a detainee from SOS Police Post in Matero.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when four men allegedly entered the police post and demanded the release of a suspect being held in custody, according to a statement issued by Zambia Police Service spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi.
What police say happened at SOS Police Post
Police said the four men were armed with machetes and knives. During the confrontation, the suspects allegedly attempted to seize a service firearm from an officer.
A struggle followed and the officer discharged the weapon, fatally wounding two of the men, Mr Chilabi said. The remaining two suspects fled the scene and a police manhunt is under way.
The deceased were identified by police as Vincent Muwana, also known as Bino, and a man identified only as Steven, also known as Soldier. Both were said to be residents of Matero.
They were taken to the University Teaching Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited in the hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.
Police link suspects to alleged Chipandule gang
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the two men were wanted in connection with several alleged offences in Matero and surrounding areas, including aggravated robbery, theft from motor vehicles and housebreaking.
Police also believe the men were members of a group known as the Chipandule gang. These claims remain allegations and have not been tested in court.
Mr Chilabi said investigators had linked the suspects to an aggravated robbery reported along Nguba Road on 30 July. In that incident, a 42-year-old man was allegedly shot and robbed of K40,000, an HP laptop and a SIG Sauer 9mm pistol.
Manhunt launched for two escaped suspects
Police are searching for the two men who escaped from the post. Mr Chilabi warned that people who attack police officers, interfere with lawful police operations or attempt to free suspects from custody will face the full force of the law.
The incident adds to public concern about violent crime and the safety of officers and residents in high-density communities. It also raises questions about security arrangements at smaller police posts, particularly when officers are holding suspects linked to alleged organised crime.
Why the Matero incident matters
For households and businesses, robberies involving firearms carry costs beyond the immediate loss of cash or property. They can discourage evening trade, raise private-security expenses and weaken confidence in neighbourhood commercial activity.
Police still owe the public a full account of the shooting itself, recovery of the stolen firearm from the Nguba Road robbery, and the two men who got away. For now, the police statement is the only version of events on record.
Readers can follow more reporting in our Leadership & Governance coverage, including our report on the Anti-Corruption Commission’s response to whistleblower-protection concerns. Learn more about The Zambian Economist or contact the newsroom with relevant information.
Editorial note: This report is based on a Zambia Police Service statement. Allegations against the deceased and escaped suspects have not been adjudicated by a court.
