CHAMA - Property valued at more than K230,000 has allegedly been damaged and cash stolen following an attack involving suspected National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) youths and UPND members in Chama District, Eastern Province.
Eastern Province Commissioner of Police Robertson Mweemba said police received a report from Kelvin Mukisi, the UPND Youth Chairperson for Chibale Area in Chama District.
Mr. Mweemba said the incident occurred after Mr. Mukisi and other UPND youth members had gathered at his lodge to organise a meeting scheduled for 14:00 hours before leaving for their respective homes for lunch.
According to police, while away from the premises, Mr. Mukisi received a call informing him that suspected NRPUP supporters had allegedly stripped his son, Kelvin Mukisi Junior, of UPND campaign regalia before setting it on fire.
Police further said Mr. Mukisi later received another report alleging that John Zimba had also been stripped of UPND regalia and that his bicycle had been confiscated by the same group.
Mr. Mweemba said that later, as UPND members regrouped at the lodge ahead of the scheduled meeting, they were allegedly ambushed by suspected NRPUP youths, who began pelting them with stones.
Police said the UPND members ran into the lodge for safety but were allegedly pursued by the group, which proceeded to damage the lodge and five flats valued at K150,000, as well as solar panels worth K50,000.
During the incident, police said two bales of UPND campaign regalia, including T-shirts and wrappers, together with a bag containing K30,000 in cash, were allegedly stolen from the complainant's office.
Mr. Mweemba said two suspects, out of a group of 27 alleged perpetrators, were apprehended in Isoka District after reportedly fleeing there following the incident.
The two suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects progress.
Source: Phoenix News | By: Patricia Mbewe