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Police in Eastern Province have arrested former Catholic priest Father Simon Tembo in connection with the theft of a motor vehicle belonging to Ukwimi Catholic Parish in Petauke District. The vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux valued at K700,000, was stolen nearly a year ago.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Roberston Mweemba confirmed the development, stating that the breakthrough was made during a routine traffic checkpoint operation.
According to Mweemba, the case dates back to April 30, 2025, when the Toyota Hilux, registration number CAA 7255, was reported stolen after being parked outside the church. The theft was reported by Father Daniel Phiri through Ukwimi Police Post and later at Petauke Police Station.
The vehicle was recovered in the early hours of April 19, 2026 at around 03:00 hours at the Mwami Road checkpoint. A traffic officer intercepted a white Toyota Hilux bearing a different registration number, BAK 4227, driven by 31-year-old Simon Tembo of the Chipata Diocese.
Police noted that the vehicle had a damaged left headlamp and fender. When questioned, Tembo claimed he had hit a cow in Katete District and failed to report the accident because he feared Bishop George Lungu would discover his whereabouts.
However, inquiries made with Bishop Lungu revealed that the vehicle Tembo claimed to be driving had itself been involved in a fatal accident the previous week in which Father Aston Tembo died, and that vehicle was deemed beyond repair.
A detailed inspection at Chipata Central Police Station confirmed that the chassis and engine numbers matched those of the Hilux stolen from Ukwimi Catholic Parish.
Tembo was subsequently detained and is expected to appear in court soon. Police say investigations are ongoing.
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The Diocese of Chipata has, however, clarified that Simon Tembo had abandoned his priestly duties in October 2025 and was no longer exercising any authorized public ministry at the time of his arrest.
According to Father Daniel Banda, Acting Communications Director for the Diocese, the administration had been attempting to locate Tembo to encourage his return to ministry or, alternatively, to have him formally declare his intention to leave priestly life so that canonical processes, including laicization, could begin.
However, all efforts were unsuccessful, as Tembo remained unreachable.
“It was during this period, while the Diocese was working to resolve his status, that we received a report from the Zambia Police Service on 19th April 2026 indicating that Fr. Simon Tembo was found in possession of a motor vehicle reported stolen from Ukwimi Parish on 30th October 2025,” Banda stated.
He reaffirmed the Diocese’s respect for the ongoing investigation and its full cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
Banda also urged the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing that the Church remained committed to integrity, accountability, and due process.
“We continue to pray for all those affected by this matter,” he said.
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