SINDA - Angry villagers in Chieftainess Kawaza's area of Sinda District have burnt a vehicle, campaign materials and cash belonging to independent Kapoche parliamentary candidate Stephen Miti, after allegedly suspecting that the vehicle was being used for stock theft.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba said the incident happened at around 19:30 hours on Tuesday in Lemmy Village.
Mr. Mweemba said the vehicle, a Toyota Ractis, pearl white in colour and registration number CAD 2547, was valued at K120,000.
Other property destroyed included two bales of Chitenge materials valued at K2,280 and cash amounting to K3,850, bringing the total value of the destroyed property to K126,130.
According to Mr. Mweemba, the driver had initially parked the vehicle at a football pitch but was advised by some residents to move it into the village because they feared it could be mistaken for a cattle rustler's vehicle.
He said shortly after the vehicle was parked in the village, a group of residents began searching for its owner, accusing him of being in the area to steal cattle.
The driver reportedly sensed danger and attempted to drive away but was unable to travel far because the road was impassable. He subsequently abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
Mr. Mweemba said the candidate became concerned when his driver took longer than expected to return and called him, learning about the incident.
When Mr. Miti later travelled to Lemmy Village, he reportedly found the vehicle engulfed in flames.
Police have since opened an inquiry file and launched investigations into the incident.
Source: ZNBC