A Zambia police officer has been shot dead by unknown criminals in Barlmoral area in Makeni.

Constable Mwape 37 and other police officers from Balmoral Police Station were after criminals who had been reported to have stolen cattle at Barlmoral farms in Makeni.

Darius Chanda aged 42, reported the incident at Balmoral Police Station between 22:00 hours and 23:00hours on Friday.

Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo has confirmed the development saying unknown criminals armed with unknown firearms shot Constable Mwape in the chest.

She adds that investigations into the matter have been launched and the body of the deceased has since been deposited to the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary.