Police in Mongu district have apprehended a male suspect in connection with the theft of six herds of cattle from Situlo village.
Western Province Commissioner of Police, Rae Hamoonga, has confirmed the arrest to the media in Mongu today, identifying the suspect as Given Siyenge Kamwengo, aged 42.
Mr Hamoonga said the theft was reported on December 12, 2025, at 08:15 hours by Malindi Munalula of Situlo village in chief Namutwi’s area in Mongu district.
He added that the theft is believed to have occurred from the complainant’s kraal between 22:00 hours on December 11, 2025, and 06:00 hours on December 12, 2025.
The Provincial Police Chief further revealed that the complainant secured his cattle in the kraal around 18:00 hours on the fateful day, and a physical check at 22:00 hours confirmed the cattle were still intact.
However, upon checking again in the morning at 06:00 hours, Mr Munalula found that six cattle were missing.
Mr Hamoonga said upon realising that some cattle were missing, the complainant went to Namushekende Police Post and reported the matter at exactly 08:15 hours.
“It was from this report that police acted on credible intelligence, having been tipped that three individuals were seen in possession of six cattle in the bush near Belgravia area, close to TAZAMA in Mongu district,” he explained.
He said police officers were deployed to the area and the suspect was found with the six stolen cattle and was successfully apprehended, while two others fled.
The stolen cattle with brand marks were positively identified by the owner and have since been secured.
The six cattle have been valued at approximately K48, 000.
Mr Hamoonga has since urged the community to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
“The Zambia Police Service reiterates its commitment to combating livestock theft, which continues to negatively affect the livelihoods of our people in Western Province,” Mr Hamoonga said.
A manhunt for the two other suspects has been launched.
