Police officer turns gun on self
By Mast Reporter
A ZAMBIA Police Service officer stationed at Mkushi Police Station shot himself in the jaw in what is a suspected suicide case.
In a statement seen by The Mast, Zambia Police Service public relations officer Godffrey Chilabi said the shooting took place around 08:30 hours.
Chilabi identified the police officer as Constable Rister Chuwa, who shot himself with an AK47 rifle.
“The Zambia Police Service regrets to confirm a fatal shooting involving Constable Rister Chuwa, who was stationed at TAZARA Mkushi Police Station. The incident occurred around 08:30 hours on February 15, 2026, within the premises of the police station in Mkushi District,” he said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Chuwa was on duty with another officer at the time of the incident.
“Investigations further suggest that he retrieved an AK-47 service firearm from the front desk while the other officer briefly stepped into another office, leaving him alone,” he said.
Chilabi said afterwards two gunshots were heard from behind the offices.
“When officers checked, Constable Chuwa was found lying on the ground in a pool of blood with the service firearm beside him. He had sustained a gunshot wound to his lower jaw,” he said.
Chilabi said Chuwa was rushed to Mkushi District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Initial findings suggest that the incident is suspected to be a case of suicide. However, a full investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances,” he said.
Chilabi said Chuwa’s body is in the hospital’s mortuary.
