By SYLVESTER MWALE –
POLICE in Kabwe have arrested five people including former convicts and a 31-year-old prison escapee, in connection with the theft of various household items valued at more than K90,000.
The five including  Hendrix Pelete who escaped from Mumbwa Prison last year, were arrested in Katondo Township after a tip-off from the public.
Central Province Police Chief Lombe Kamukoshi, who yesterday displayed some stolen items at Chowa Police post where the suspects are being held, said some of them had been convicted twice before.
Apart from Pelete, others arrested included 50-year-old Mustafa Zulu, Trevor Ng’andu Malambo, 35, Daniel Chilipamushi, 31, and 34-year-old Mike Mali.
Among the items recovered were LG Led television sets, seven laptop and desktop computers, Samsung phones and tablets as well as, seven Puma blankets and an assortment of kitchen ware.
“We have picked some house-breakers and these are renowned ones, they have been arrested before and even convicted probably even two times. The information came from a complainant who was a victim of burglary and theft,” she said.
The five had gone to a house of their victim claiming they were officers from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in Chisamba who had recovered her stolen goods.
They asked for money from her so that they could give her properties, but the victim opted to report to Chowa Police post where officers carried out an operation which resulted in their arrest.
Ms Kamukoshi said Malambo was the first to be apprehended before he led officers to the arrest of the notorious Pelete who had been on the police wanted list for a long time.
In another development, Home Affairs Minister Davies Mwila has disclosed that one more suspect has been apprehended in connection with the ritual killings in Lusaka, bringing the number of suspects to 12.
Mr Mwila assured the nation that investigations had continued in the matter.
Mr Mwila was speaking when Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ambassador to Zambia, Malawi and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Bernardin Mayele, paid a courtesy call on him.
Government in partnership with the United Nations had repatriated 556 Congolese to the refugee camps.
“It is unfortunate that we experienced such confusions, but I can assure you that we are doing everything possible to ensure that the refugees settle in the camps, we will continue to maintain peace in the country. We are peaceful people,” Mr Mwila said.
Meanwhile, Mr Mayele has commended President Edgar Lungu for his continued call for peace and unity in the country.
He said it was important for everyone in Zambia to heed President Lungu’s advice and leave in peace with each other, especially in the wake of the forthcoming elections.
“It is gratifying to note that as the country is preparing to go for elections, the President emphasised that peace has to prevail. Zambia and DRC share a long borderline and many of our people are staying and working here,” Mr Mayele said.