A suspected violent criminal was shot dead by police in Lusaka, who also found an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Around 18:30 yesterday, the incident happened on Kasangula Road.
The Anti-Heist Squad was swiftly sent to the area after receiving a tip from an informer that thieves were ready to conduct a robbery, according to assistant public relations officer Godfrey Chilabi.
“Facts of the matter are the Anti-robbery Squad spotted a Toyota Axio,along Kasangula road, matching the description given by the informant .
The said motor vehicle was parked by the roadside with three suspected criminals standing outside. Upon being challenged by the police, an exchange of fire ensued between the suspected criminals and the police,” he said.
Two thieves, according to Mr. Chilabi, were able to board the Axio car and take off while another was shot and collapsed on the ground.
He said that an AK-47 rifle with an obliterated serial number and four rounds of ammunition was found when officers moved in to pick him up.
The alleged offender was apprehended and taken to University Teaching Hospital for treatment, but unfortunately, he was already dead when he arrived, according to Mr. Chilabi.
According to him, the dead is thought to have gotten away from the recent gunshot in Kitwe concerning a car theft that happened at Chiwempala Police Station.
“He is also believed to have been behind a spate of aggravated robberies that occured between Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces.
An inquiry file has since been opened while a manhunt has been instituted into the other two who fled.
The body of the deceased is in UniversityTeaching Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem,” he said.
