Two people were injured in Mwapona Compound in Choma after police fired warning shots to disperse a mob during an attempted mob justice incident.
The incident occurred when officers responded to reports that community members were attempting to take the law into their own hands after a suspected thief was apprehended.
Southern Province Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo confirmed that the situation arose after a male suspect allegedly attempted to steal from a residential property but was caught by the homeowner.
Mr Namalongo said members of the community gathered and allegedly attempted to mete out mob justice, prompting police intervention.
He confirmed that 23-year-old John Hamapuma sustained a gunshot wound to the left shoulder after being hit by a stray bullet when officers discharged warning shots to disperse the crowd. Mr Hamapuma was initially treated at Shampande Clinic before being referred to Choma General Hospital, where his condition is reported to be stable.
The second victim, 29-year-old shopkeeper Agent Muchanga, was struck by a stray bullet in the upper part of his head under similar circumstances. He was rushed to Choma General Hospital and remains in critical condition.
According to Mr Namalongo, tensions escalated when the suspect and his associates allegedly began throwing stones at the police officers who had been dispatched to the area.
He said warning shots were fired in an effort to restore order. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
How do you hit someone on the shoulder with a warning shot? Trained police officer? Warning shots are aimed at the sky