Robertson Mweemba, Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, said 31 theft cases involving goods worth K119,635 were recorded during the annual traditional event.
Mr. Mweemba told journalists that seven suspects were arrested in connection with the cases and that personal belongings valued at K4,856 were recovered.
“We recorded a total of 43 crimes at the just-ended 2026 Ncwala traditional ceremony since its beginning, compared to 36 cases recorded last year during the same period,” he said.
He added that out of the 43 cases, 31 were thefts, nine were assaults, one involved unlawful wounding, and one was a break-in.
Meanwhile, 29 road traffic accidents were recorded during the same period. Of these, two were fatal, one resulted in serious injury, one caused slight injury, and 18 were classified as damage-only accidents.
Mr. Mweemba noted a slight increase in road traffic accidents compared to last year, when 28 incidents were recorded.
Approximately 600 police officers were deployed to provide security during this year’s ceremony, compared to 300 officers deployed the previous year.
Ncwala is a very lively ceremony. It is just being destroyed by political connotations arising from political endorsements which are not part of culture but destroying culture. The Chief and his advisors need to be advised appropriately. They are spoiling such a good, energetic and vibrant ceremony. I also heard that subjects are now very sharp and do not want politics in these things.
What i dont understand is the stance taken by some chiefs saying i am supporting government because government has personally done this and that for me. What about your subjects who are languishing in poverty?
Kikikikikikikiki! Easily corruptible leadership
one criminal case at Ncwala was bout ” Unlawful wounding”. Do we have lawful wounding of another person in the law? The police should explain this
Perhaps if you shot a rabid dog about to attack you?