Six police officers, reservists and a taxi driver have been arrested and they appeared in court yesterday for allegedly stealing over K200,000, US$600 and 500 Chinese yuan. The money came into possession of the officers by virtue of their jobs as law enforcers.
This is in a matter six officers of Makeni Police Station and a taxi driver are charged with theft by servant, unlawful possession of firearms, as well as burglary and theft.

The accused officers are Boyd Mulenga, 32, of Makeni, Maxwell Mwanamunde, 52, also of Makeni, and Freeman Mulenga, 28.
Others are Emilio Butt, 21, Ackim Kamayoyo, 42, and Misheck Mudakwa, all police reservists of Makeni, and taxi driver Timothy Nyirenda.
In count one, the taxi driver is charged with burglary and theft.

On February 4 this year, with intent to steal, Nyirenda allegedly broke into the house of Lui Yu Hua and stole K205,300, US$600 and 500 yuan from Mr Lui. In count two, Nyirenda is charged with unlawful possession of firearms and 19 rounds of ammunition.

It is alleged that on February 5, in the company of other unknown persons, Nyirenda had a Taurus pistol serial number TBM43825 and an HK405 serial number 22-103472 with 19 rounds of ammunition without a licence. In the third count, Mwanamunde, the two Mulengas, Butt, Kamoko and Madakwa are charged with theft by public servant.

On the same date while acting with other unknown people, the police officers and reservists allegedly stole K205,300, US$600 and 500 yuan, which came into their possession because of the nature of their employment. When the matter came up for plea before magistrate Felix Kaoma, the State informed the court that Nyirenda was in police custody. Magistrate Kaoma adjourned the matter to tomorrow for possible plea.