Police in Chipata District have apprehended sixteen suspects cumulatively in three days for illegal possession and suspected smuggling of petrol. The apprehensions were made on 5th, 6th and 7th October, 2026 during separate operations by Chipata Central Police Station and Mwami…

Police in Chipata District have apprehended sixteen suspects cumulatively in three days for illegal possession and suspected smuggling of petrol.

The apprehensions were made on 5th, 6th and 7th October, 2026 during separate operations by Chipata Central Police Station and Mwami Border Police Station.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, has confirmed the development to the media in Chipata District.

Mr Mweemba said in the first incident, officers from Chipata Central Police Station apprehended 10 males on 5th and 6th October two males were apprehended at around 18:23 hours at Oasis Filling Station in Chipata District.

He identified the suspects as Moses Phiri aged 20 and Esau Joseph aged 28, both of Kaulembe area, Chief Chanje, Chipangali District.

Mr Mweemba said the two were found in possession of 3 by 20 litres containers of suspected petrol loaded in plastic containers after officers conducted a motorised patrol in the Chipata Central Business area.

He said the exhibits have been secured at Chipata Central Police Station and will be disposed of in line with Energy Regulation Board – ERB regulations.

In the third operation, Mr Mweemba said Mwami Border Police Station intercepted three unregistered motorbikes, two of them Gatoma make and one Toyota Corolla registration number ACT 7844 silver in colour at a security checkpoint along Mwami Mission Hospital road.

He said the interception occurred on 7th October, 2026 between 14:00 hours and 15:00 hours when officers were manning the checkpoint.

Mr Mweemba said upon inspection, officers discovered 35 by 20 litres containers of petrol and apprehended four suspects.

He identified the suspects as Lyford Banda 36, of Vubwi Center, Chimwendo Village, Chief Pembamoyo, Philemon Jere 27, of Benje Village, Chief Mpezeni, Frank Daka 36, of Indaba Village, Chief Mpezeni and Gabriel Miti 33, of Vubwi Center, Chief Pembamoyo.

Mr Mweemba said the suspects are detained at Mwami Border Police Station and the fuel has been kept as exhibits, while the motorbikes and motor vehicle have also been impounded.

“The suspects will appear in court soon for illegal possession and dealing in petroleum products without a licence contrary to the laws of Zambia,” Mr Mweemba said.

He warned members of the public to desist from illegal fuel vending and smuggling, saying the operation will continue across the province.