Youth nabbed for assaulting armed police officers

Police in Kitwe on August 3 arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly assaulting two armed police officers after he was detained at Riverside Police Post when he reported a complaint against a man who owes him some money.

Confusion reigned on August 3 when the alleged debtor went to report to police that the complainant had damaged his pool table. It was then that the officers decided to arrest Fred Kanyanta for alleged malicious damage to property.

But Kanyanta refused to be taken to the cells, prompting the police officers to use force. This attracted onlookers who cheered on Kanyanta. The three police officers failed to control the situation when Kanyanta’s mother arrived on the scene and condemned the treatment her son was being subjected to.

It was at this point that Kanyanta landed some punches on two officers. Sub-Inspector Nelson Chisoka and reservist Pandwe Lubamba sustained swollen faces from the punches. One officer who was armed with a pistol brandished the fire arm but an elderly person who was nearby strongly advised him to put it away. Kanyanta’s mother rescued her son and drove away with him after the law enforcement officers were overpowered by some members of the public.

The officers who were assaulted complained about the ill treatment suffered from the members of the public. Riverside Police Station officer in charge Brighson Mwape arrived at the scene with riot police officers and fished Kanyanta and his mother out of their hide-out in Riverside township.

Kanyanta’s mother was yesterday charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and was fined K50,000 after admitting guilt. This was after spending a night in the Police cell. Kanyanta was charged with malicious damage to property and for assaulting two police officers and will appear in court soon.

Copperbelt Police Commanding officer Antonneil Mutentwa confirmed the incident and condemned the instant justice mob. Mutentwa said it was shocking to note that instead of helping the police to apprehend suspects, the members of the public wanted to take the law into their own hands by threatening to burn the Police post.