Police bust Lusaka kidnap-for-ransom ring

Police bust Lusaka kidnap-for-ransom ring

By Thandizo Banda

POLICE in Lusaka has apprehended three male suspects in connection with an abduction that occurred on Friday in Lusaka.

The abduction happened between 10:00 hours and 15:30 hours in Zanimuone West and Garden House areas.

The matter was reported by a 24-year-old resident of Zanimuone West identified as Kaunda, who explained that his 21-year-old wife had been abducted by unknown persons who demanded a ransom for her release.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim boarded a taxi in Zanimuone West heading to the SOS area near Heroes Stadium.

Zambia Police Service public relations officer Godfrey Chilabi said in a statement the vehicle had four occupants, including a female passenger.

“The female passenger later disembarked, leaving the victim with three male occupants. The vehicle proceeded along Great North Road towards the central business district. At Chingwere Turn-off, the suspects allegedly overpowered the victim, confiscated her mobile phone and handbag and forced her to lie face down,” Chilabi said.

He said the suspects then moved the victim to various undisclosed locations while demanding a ransom of K10,000 from her relatives.

“Acting on the report, the Anti-Robbery Squad  conducted an intelligence-led operation which led to the apprehension of the three suspects around 16:00 hours in Garden House area,” he said.

Chilabi said  the suspects were found with the victim, who was rescued from a silver Honda Fit motor vehicle, registration number CAL 4136.

“The victim was later taken to hospital for medical examination after complaining of general body pains. The suspects have been identified as Simwemba Chiweleni alias “Gerandi Chelo,” aged 31, of Makeni Magwaba, Joseph Lwindi, aged 26, of City Shine and Gift Mulimba, aged 26, of Kanyama Mbasela. The suspects are in custody and investigations are ongoing,” Chilabi said.

He said the motor vehicle used in the commission of the offence had been impounded, and property belonging to the victim was recovered.

“Investigations have further linked the suspects to an earlier abduction that occurred on Monday in Kabangwe area, Lusaka, involving a 22-year-old female university student. In that incident, the suspects demanded and received a ransom of K9,000 through mobile money before releasing and abandoning the victim,” Chilabi said.

He appealed to members of the public who may have been victims of similar crimes to report to Lusaka Central Police Station for possible identification of the suspects.