20 Katete Suspects Arrested: Over 20 men who are suspected of beating nine police officers last week were detained in Kamawaza by the police as Katete suspects.
The incident happened in the village of Kamwaza in Zambia’s Eastern Province’s Katete District. The district’s Saint Francis Mission Hospital received the injured police officers.
To find out more about what happened in Katete and to get the names of the suspects, keep reading.
Katete Suspects Arrested: Mass Arrest Of Men Who Allegedly Beat Up Police Officers
According to several news sources, 20 Katete Suspects were Arrested by police in Kamawaza after they allegedly beat nine officers last week. An unknown person recorded a video that has since gained popularity on social media.
In the video, the suspects seem to have been exposed to the public. Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba revealed the suspects were all males between the ages of 18 and 53 in a statement.
On November 24, 2022, in the Katete District towns of Joweni, Chinzu, and Kamwaza, all of the suspects were taken into custody. All suspects were kept in police custody as investigations became more serious.
The IG claims that Police will enhance civic education initiatives that inform the populace of the importance of cooperating with law enforcement and other governmental organizations.
He also cautioned some against politicizing the matter by making rash claims unrelated to what occurred in the village.
Finally, Lemmy Kajoba reassured the nation that despite the low level of security, there are no disruptions to the general public’s regular activities in Chieftainess Kawaza or the surrounding areas.
What Happened In Katete?
35 kilometers south of Katete town, in Kamwaza Village, the incident took place on November 19, 2022. Initial police investigations indicate that the Headman shielded two suspects.
These men are accused of taking part in the alleged murder of Kusenseyo on October 6, 2022, in the Chieftainess Kawaza neighborhood.
The alleged men were apprehended by a member of the public and handed over to the police. According to Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale. The police released them on November 14 due to a lack of evidence.
This infuriated several villagers, who turned to vandalize the suspects’ homes and the headman’s houses. The Headman was also accused by some of being a witch.
Nine police officers rushed to the area where villagers had destroyed six homes and a car belonging to the Headman.
Nine officers suffered serious injuries when an unyielding mob attacked them as they were leaving the village by blocking the road with logs and hurling rocks and sticks at them.
A police car was also set on fire in the incident. Police officers were armed at the time of the incident, according to Mr. Mwale. They avoided using force against the locals, though.
Injured Police Officers Out Of Danger
As previously mentioned, an enraged mob attacked nine police officers, leaving them with serious injuries.
All of the hurt police officers were taken to the neighborhood’s Saint Francis Mission Hospital.
On November 20, two of them remained in the hospital while the other seven were discharged. According to recent reports, the two remaining officers are safe and stable.
