A speeding Hiace minibus on Wednesday afternoon claimed lives of two cyclist on Chilumbulu Road in Lusaka while a passenger is nursing injuries.

Police spokesperson Esther Katongo named the dead as Alfred Kalashi and Seda Tembo who died on the spot after sustaining head injuries. She said Kalashi’s passenger, Evans Siame, sustained slight injuries and survived the accident, which happened around 15:00 hours. “Also involved was Mwanza John, 28, of Bauleni township, who was driving a Toyota Hiace, which had the front part damaged,” Ms Katongo said. She said Mwansa’s speeding bus careered off the road and hit into the cyclists, who were away from the pavements.

Meanwhile, police in Mansa have arrested three suspects who escaped from lawful custody at Mansa Correctional Facility at the weekend. Luapula Province commissioner of police Elias Chushi said the suspects are Prince Chinyanta, who was charged with rape and aggravated robbery and Ephraim Kombe, who is charged with robbery.

The other suspect, Sidney Musongole, is facing a theft charge. He said the remaining suspects are charged with minor offences, among them drug trafficking and theft. “Police are doing everything to find and arrest the remaining suspects. All the suspects have been charged with escape from lawful custody contrary to the Laws of Zambia,” Mr Chushi said.

He said police have continued the manhunt for the suspects who are still on the run. On Saturday, police in Mansa recorded a case of escape from lawful custody involving 17 suspects.