TWO suspected poachers have been shot dead in Chisamba while a third suspect has been detained, Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela has said.

Game scouts gunned down the two suspects at Protea Hotel Farm in Chisamba after an exchange of gunfire on Monday around 11:00 hours.

One of the deceased has been identified as Recknos Ndeleki, 30, of Fine Ndeleki Farm in Chisamba while the identity of the other suspect had not yet been established.

Ms Kanjela said five rounds of ammunition had been recovered from the scene while the surviving suspect, Webster Chisumpa, was in police custody.

Meanwhile, a suspect alleged to have stolen more that 100 litres of diesel from a farm in Mkushi has been beaten to death.

The man is alleged to have stolen the fuel from Chimsoro Farm when two workers descended on him.

Central Province Police chief Standwell Lungu said the incident occurred on Monday around midnight.

The victim sustained facial injuries and was caught as he was about to get away with more than 100 litres of diesel.

He said two workers attacked the intruder, killing him instantly and that an object was used in the beating.