A police operation to arrest a wanted suspect in Mongu ended in fatal gunfire after officers say the man allegedly attacked one of them while trying to escape.
According to Western Province Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga, the incident happened around 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, in the Kashumba Market area. Police had acted on intelligence that the suspect was staying at a guest house.
The suspect, identified only by the aliases "Asela" and "Michael Scofield" and believed to be Mununga, was reportedly wanted in connection with investigations into aggravated robbery, murder, rape, theft from person and breaking offences committed in Mongu and other parts of Western Province.
Police say when officers moved in to arrest him, he tried to escape by climbing through the roof of the guest house onto a neighbouring building. During the chase, he allegedly charged at one of the officers while armed with a knife.
Mr Hamoonga said officers discharged a firearm after the suspect posed what they described as an immediate threat to the officer's life. The suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to Lewanika General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Police Commissioner has warned suspects against violently resisting arrest, saying officers will continue carrying out their constitutional duty to protect life and property. He also appealed to members of the public to continue sharing credible information that can help police fight crime across the province.