Obert Simwanza and Sylvia Mweetwa
2 November 2007
Ndola — AT least seven people were yesterday apprehended and detained as residents in Lusaka's Chaisa Township fought running battles with the police whom they accused of aiding a group of armed robbers who shot dead a local trader and wounded his daughter.
The riot started after the slain trader's wife accused one of the police officers, who arrived on the scene shortly after the incident that he was part of the group that raided the house.
The bandits shot dead 36-year-old Stanley Halwindi and wounded his step daughter Helen Mudenda, 13.
The riot left several residents with injuries after the stones targeted at the police landed on them.
As early as 06:00 hours, the residents were carrying stones, tyres and other objects which they threw at the police post.
Other overzealous residents attempted to loot shops at the market which is adjacent the police post but quick action by the police thwarted the move.
By 14:30 hours, most shops at the market were still closed as some residents continued throwing stones at the police post while police officers retaliated by firing teargas canisters towards the crowd.
Emmasdale police chief, William Banda and his team worked hard to disperse the unruly crowds to avoid destruction of property. When the situation seemed to be degenerating, Lusaka Province deputy commanding officer, Chewe Bowa came in with another contingent of officers.
Mr Halwindi was shot dead at his Chaisa home around 01:00 hours yesterday while his daughter was shot on the fingers after the bandits entered the house through the window.
Five bandits, two armed with AK 47 rifles and three with iron bars and other weapons, attacked the Halwindi family. When the bandits attacked the Halwindi family, they demanded to be given money which Mr Halwindi said he did not have.
They searched the house and only found boxes of cigarettes worth K13 million. They later dragged Mr Halwindi outside where they shot him dead in the presence of his family.
Police officers arrived at the scene after the robbers had left and Mr Halwindi's wife claimed that one of them was, in fact, among the bandits who raided the family.
That angered the residents who had already gathered at the house after they heard gun-shots. The residents later mobilised themselves and attempted to go and set the Chaisa police post on fire.
Police spokesperson, Bonny Kapeseo confirmed the killing of Mr Halwindi and said investigations had started.
He said the officer who was alleged to have been part of the bandits had also been interrogated but investigations revealed that he was among those on duty and only visited the Halwindi's home following the shooting.
Mr Kapeso however said investigations would continue and that if proved that the officer was among the bandits, the law would take its course and the officer would not be protected.
"As police we condemn such riotous behaviour because we feel it's not the best way of solving any problem and it is for this reason that we have instituted investigations to establish the truth into the brutal killing of Mr Halwindi," Mr Kapeso said.
He said police officers would remain in Chaisa until the situation normalised and appealed to the residents in the area to remain calm.
And police have a retrieved the body of a grade eight pupil who drowned in Chongwe river after he allegedly failed to swim.
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