POLICE have apprehended 20 people suspected to have been behind the attack on police officers in Kamwaza village in Katete district.
Last week, nine police officers were brutally attacked and seriously injured by a mob which was infuriated after a murder suspect was released due to inadequate evidence.
However, the suspects have been apprehended following ongoing investigations surrounding the incident.
Inspector General of police Lemmy Kajoba has announced in a statement that the suspects, all male persons aged between 18 and 53 are also believed to have gutted a Police motor vehicle, Land Cruiser registration number ZP 2502B and participated in the demolition of 16 houses.
“They were rounded-up today, 24th November, 2022 around 02:00 hours in Joweni, Chinzu and Kamwaza Villages in Katete District. All the suspects are currently detained in police custody while investigations have intensified.
As a remedial measure, Police will enhance civic education aimed at enlightening members of the public on the need for co-existence with the police and other government institutions,” he said.
Mr Kajoba has further cautioned certain individuals to avoid politicizing the incident by making unwarranted statements which are not related to what occurred in Katete.
And the IG has disclosed that the police command is considering promoting the officers for their professionalism exhibited during the incident.
“Let me seize this opportunity to thank the general citizenry for supporting and acknowledging how officers applied themselves to avert what could have been a bloody incident.
And as such, let me applaud the professional conduct exhibited by officers who applied themselves by exercising maximum restraint amidst serious provocation by the unruly villagers.As a way to recognise their professionalism and sacrifices, my Command is considering to promote the officers involved,” he said.
Mr Kajoba also assured the nation that the security situation in Chieftainess Kawaza and other surrounding areas is calm and members of the public are going about with their routine businesses without any disturbances.
(Mwebantu, Thursday, 24th November, 2022)