Suspected armed robbers raid farm depot, police launch manhunt

Police in Kitwe have launched a manhunt for three suspected armed robbers who broke into a shop in Luangwa Township after tying up a security guard and stealing agricultural and veterinary products worth over K18,000.

The incident occurred at the Luangwa Farm Depot Shop, which was being guarded by Emmanuel Kapambwe, 67, of Guardall Security Company.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer, Peacewell Siandenge, said the guard was attacked around 05:00 hours by three unknown criminals armed with iron bars, who tied his hands and legs before breaking into the shop through the back door.

The suspects stole a wide range of items, including: 78 sachets of broiler booster (150g) worth K8,034, 19 sachets of chick starter (100g) worth K893, 17 sachets of Sulfadimidine WS (100g) worth K2,516, 19 sachets of Tetroxy Chick (120g) worth K1,140, and 10 sachets of Tomato Tengere Select (25g) worth K2,160

Additional seed varieties including carrots, okra, onions, spinach, and veterinary supplements were also stolen.

Siandenge said a report was later received from a member of the public who discovered the tied guard and alerted the shop attendant.

Police visited the scene and confirmed that entry had been gained by forcing open the back door.

Later, some of the stolen goods—identified as veterinary products—were found dumped and reported by a concerned citizen.

“A docket of case has been opened. No arrests have been made yet, and the guard was not injured apart from experiencing pain,” he said.

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