Cop murdered in daring prison break

Cop murdered in daring prison break

By Mast Reporter

A POLICE officer has been killed while 14 suspects have escaped from Nchelenge Police Station cells in Luapula Province.

The prison break happened in the early hours of Saturday between 04:00 hours and 05:00 hours when the officer was on duty.

Zambia Police Service deputy public relations officer Geoffrey Chilabi identified the murdered police officer as sergeant Frank Phiri.

A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the escapees.

“The Zambia Police Service has launched investigations into a suspected case of murder in which sergeant Frank Phiri, a police officer on duty, was allegedly murdered and the escape of 14 suspects from police custody. The incident occurred on October 25, 2025 between 04:00 and 05:00 hours at Nchelenge Police Station in Nchelenge District, Luapula Province,” he said.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the officer, who was on duty at the time, was found unconscious and lying in a pool of blood by a fellow officer returning from an operational beat.

Chilabi said Phiri was rushed to St Paul’s Mission Hospital, where he later died of head injuries, and the body was deposited in the mortuary awaiting postmortem.

“Upon inspection, the cell door was found open and fourteen [14] suspects who were in lawful custody had escaped. Additionally, three motorcycles that were kept as exhibits were stolen,” he said.

Chilabi said a manhunt had been launched for the fugitives.

“The Luapula Province police command has reinforced manpower and intensified patrols across Nchelenge District. So far, three suspects have been recaptured, and interrogations are currently underway,” he said.

Chilabi named those recaptured as Honest Chuntu, facing a charge of theft, Sydney Namwango arrested for conduct, while Samson Katandala was detained for assault.

He said 11 fugitives were still at large, urging members of the public to report any suspicious individuals to the police.

“The following 11 suspects remain at large, these are Bernard Musonda, for conduct, Daniel Chisala for murder, Francis Chama for theft and Francis Mwengelo for housebreaking and theft,” Chilabi said.

He said Geoffrey Kashimya was facing an assault on a child charge, while Jackson Chifulo was arrested and detained for defiling a child.

“We also have Lazarous Lubuta and William Kazembe, who were arrested for use of insulting language, Patrick Kabulo for murder, Stephen Bupe for theft of a motorbike and William Kabaso for theft,” he said.