Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namaloongo confirmed that the incident occurred yesterday around 19:40 hours.
According to police, the suspect, a constable, approached a mobile money booth operated by Dorothy Malemia, 32, at Choma Town Centre. Armed with what appeared to be a pistol and wearing a black mask, he threatened to shoot the victim if she did not surrender her bag.
The bag contained K28,886 in cash, earpods valued at K280, and three mobile phones worth K3,400. It also held the victim’s national registration card (NRC).
Police stated that after grabbing the bag, the suspect fled the scene. The victim raised an alarm, prompting members of the public to pursue and apprehend him a short distance away.
“The total value of the stolen property is K32,566.00. Brief facts of the matter are that on the material day, the victim, a businesswoman operating a mobile money booth at Choma Town Centre, reported for work at around 08:00 hours and conducted her business as usual. Before closing at about 18:50 hours, she secured her cash and mobile phones in a bag,” said Namaloongo.
“Shortly thereafter, a male person, armed with what appeared to be a pistol and wearing a mask, approached her, threatened to shoot her, and grabbed the bag before fleeing the scene. The victim raised an alarm, prompting members of the public to pursue the suspect, who was apprehended a short distance away,” he added.
The stolen items were recovered intact and have since been returned to the victim.
Police further revealed that the weapon used in the robbery was later established to be a toy pistol.
The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.
