Four people have been arrested in Chikankata District in connection with a case of stock theft involving suspected stolen cattle carcasses.
The suspects were apprehended by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife while transporting the carcasses in a motor vehicle.
Those arrested have been identified as Osward Mweene, 32, of Mtendere Compound; Wheezy Katowa, 37, of Chirundu; Chipo Nga’ndu, 27, of Munali Hills; and Luckson Hampande, 18, also from Chirundu.
According to Southern Province Commissioner of Police Moono Namalongo, the suspects were first intercepted on March 7, 2026, around 07:00 hours at Kafue Gorge Turnoff while travelling in a grey Toyota Noah, registration number BLC 3582.
The vehicle, driven by Mweene, was found carrying carcasses of two cattle. When questioned, the occupants claimed the animals came from their farm in Chilileka in Chikankata District.
Later that day, a vice headman in the area reported that a member of the public had discovered blood stains and animal intestines suspected to be remains of stolen livestock, although the owner of the animals had not yet been identified.
On March 10, 2026, officers again intercepted the same vehicle in the Nansenga Area. During questioning, the driver led officers to the other suspects.
Namalongo said the four individuals admitted to stealing the cattle and allegedly attempted to offer an inducement to the wildlife officers in an effort to secure their release, which was declined.
The suspects have since been handed over to Chikankata Police Station where they remain in custody as investigations continue to establish the rightful owners of the cattle.
