Wanted Suspect Dies After Allegedly Attacking Officer During Arrest

MONGU – Police in Western Province have shot dead a wanted suspect during an arrest operation in Mongu after he allegedly attacked a police officer with a knife while attempting to evade arrest.

Western Province Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga said the incident occurred on Friday, July 24, 2026, at around 14:00 hours in the Kashumba Market area, where officers had received intelligence that the suspect was staying at a local guest house.

The police identified the suspect by the aliases "Asela" and "Michael Scofield," adding that he is believed to have been Mununga, a man in his early twenties.

According to police, the suspect was wanted in connection with several serious offences, including aggravated robbery, murder, rape, theft from person and breaking offences allegedly committed in Mongu and other parts of Western Province.

Mr. Hamoonga said the suspect attempted to evade arrest by climbing through the roof of the guest house onto a neighbouring building before allegedly charging at one of the pursuing officers while armed with a knife.

Police say officers discharged a firearm to neutralise the threat, leaving the suspect with gunshot wounds.

He was rushed to Lewanika General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Mr. Hamoonga warned criminals against violently resisting arrest and urged suspects to surrender peacefully when confronted by law enforcement officers.

He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible information to police to assist in the fight against crime.