NINE Police officers have been attacked and seriously injured in Katete by a mob which was infuriated after a murder suspect was released due to inadequate evidence.
The mob is believed to have on November 14th, this year apprehended two suspects and handed them to police, but the suspects were later released because of lack of evidence.
In the process, a Police vehicle was also burnt by the infuriated mob.
Police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale said all nine Police officers are admitted at Saint Francis Mission Hospital in Katete District.
He said the incident occurred on November 19, 2022 around 16:00 hours in Kamwaza village about 35 kilometers south of Katete town.
"Police initial investigations revealed that the Headman was protecting two suspects who are alleged to have been involved in the suspected murder of a man only identified as Kusenseyo in Chieftainess Kawaza area on October 6, 2022.
Members of the public apprehended the suspects who were handed over to Police. The suspects were later released on November 14, 2022 due to lack of evidence and this incensed some members of Kawaza Village who resorted to damaging the Headman's and the suspects' houses," he said
Mr Mwale said some members of the village also accused the Headman identified as Chinzu of practicing witchcraft.
"Nine Police officers rushed to the village following a report of malicious damage to property in which six houses and one motor vehicle belonging to the Headman and the two suspects were damaged by known people in the village. As Police officers were leaving the village around 16:00 hours, an uncompromising mob blocked the road with logs and started pelting the officers with stones and sticks causing serious injuries to them," he said.
He said the Police officers who were armed restrained themselves from using firearms on the villagers.
"With the help of some community members who rushed to the scene, police managed to withdraw and were rushed to the hospital in Katete. Police have heightened investigations and more Police officers have been dispatched in order to restore law and order in the area," he said.
Source: Mwebantu
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