The development follows an operation conducted on the night of April 6, 2026, in Chingola District, during which police apprehended two additional suspects.
Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Mwala Yuyi confirmed during a media briefing that Phiri was arrested alongside Wesley Mwewa of Chingola’s Malemba area.
Phiri, who retired from RTSA several years ago, was found in possession of a cache of weapons, including three air guns, two rifles, a Greener shotgun (12 bore), 93 rounds of shotgun ammunition, 500 air gun pellets, and a pistol magazine loaded with eight rounds of ammunition concealed in a black pistol case.
Other items recovered include three pistol holsters and three firearm licences for a B.S. Repeater (.22 calibre), a Greener shotgun (12 bore), and a Smith & Wesson revolver.
Mr. Yuyi revealed that preliminary investigations indicate that the firearm licence for the Smith & Wesson revolver matches a weapon previously recovered from suspects in Solwezi District, further linking Phiri to the wider criminal network.
“In connection with the recent shooting incident and ongoing investigations into an organised criminal syndicate, two additional suspects have been apprehended, and one of them is a former RTSA officer,” said Yuyi.
“It seems he has found himself another profession—the profession of criminality—but he has to contend with us because he cannot hide,” he added.
The Police Commanding Officer assured the public that officers are working around the clock to bring all those involved in criminal activities to justice, adding that investigations are ongoing to establish further links among suspects.
He emphasized that police are systematically tracking connections within the syndicate while ensuring that all suspects are treated fairly based on evidence gathered.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yuyi assured residents that law enforcement officers are making significant progress in identifying and dismantling criminal networks in the province.
Earlier this week, police gunned down five suspected criminals during a gunfight in Mushindamo District. The deceased were believed to be part of the same syndicate linked to the murders of Gift Chilambe and Francis Mbale, which occurred on March 6, 2026, at Natmos Trading Centre in Chingola.
Investigations into the syndicate continue as police intensify efforts to restore safety and security across the Copperbelt Province.
Dont look to hard for more as we may not have a rtsa left kikikikiki
We believe in the police service for our complete safety. Job well done