INSPECTOR General of Police Kakoma Kangnaja says while the gassing funder and mastermind is still at large, 16 people connected to the crime have been arrested.
He said amongst those arrested was the person who had been receiving the funds for the criminal activities and distributed amongst the gassers.
Kanganja assured that the police was on top things and along with other security wings was working to keep the country safe.
He revealed that among those arrested were also people who had distributed themselves around the country and were inciting communities to kill innocent people suspected to gassers – they have since been charged with murder.
“16 suspects have been arrested in connection with the reports of chemical spraying of which some have begun appearing in courts of law. Some of these 16 suspects were behind criminal activities experienced in Chingola District on the Copperbelt as well as North Western Province. This points to some inter connection in criminals behind this spate of crime,” Kanganja said.
“An investigation team comprising various stake holders has been constituted to conduct investigations and great progress has been recorded. A conclusive outcome of the investigations will be availed to the public when investigations are concluded,” he added
Kanganja said with the latest developments, he was confident that instances of mob justice would now be under control.
He said 43 people have so far been killed my mobs around the country while 23 have been injured as a result of false alarms.
Kanganja said since the start of the gassing attacks, 1687 people had been gassed in 511 reported incidents.