LUSAKA - The Zambia Police Service has reported a significant reduction in crime during the just-ended 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show, with 32 criminal cases and one road traffic accident recorded between July 29 and August 3, 2026.
The event was held under the theme "Fostering Trade and Investment."
According to Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, no criminal cases were recorded on Wednesday, while two cases were reported on Thursday, three on Friday, four on Saturday, 16 on Sunday and seven on Monday.
The 32 criminal cases comprised 21 cases of theft from person, mainly involving stolen mobile phones, and six cases of theft involving laptops, groceries and other personal property.
Police also recorded one case of theft by servant involving 13 tins of black shoe polish valued at K990, three cases of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH) and one case of tampering with a motor vehicle and malicious damage.
A separate road traffic accident involving a pedestrian was also recorded at the main entrance to the Showgrounds.
Police said 19 mobile phones were reported stolen during the show, with the highest number of thefts occurring on Sunday, when 10 phones were reported missing. Other stolen items included six handbags, three laptops, groceries, cash and personal documents.
Mr. Chilabi said 12 suspects were arrested in connection with various offences recorded during the exhibition. Among the arrests was a suspect allegedly found tampering with a parked motor vehicle, with police recovering a break-in tool believed to have been used in the offence.
He said the suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue and efforts to recover additional stolen property are ongoing.
Compared to the 2025 Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show, the number of reported criminal cases declined from 65 to 32, representing a 50.8 percent reduction.
The total value of stolen property also dropped from K339,590 in 2025 to K183,950 this year.
Police attributed the improvement to enhanced security measures implemented in collaboration with other security agencies, as well as increased vigilance among members of the public.
The Zambia Police Service thanked showgoers, the Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia (ACSZ), exhibitors and security personnel for their cooperation in ensuring a safe and successful event.
Police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded places by securing their valuables and promptly reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement officers.
Source: Zambia Police Service | By: Godfrey Chilabi