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Thirty-two criminal cases were recorded during this year’s Agriculture and Commercial Show, with 21 reported as theft from person, mainly involving stolen mobile phones and six cases of theft of laptops, groceries, and other personal property, police say.
The recorded 32 criminal cases represent a sharp decline compared to previous years and was attributed to enhanced security deployments at the venue by Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi.
Chilabi confirmed this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday following the conclusion of the show held under the theme: “Fostering Trade and Investment.”
Other offences included one case of theft by servant involving 13 tins of black shoe polish valued at K990, three cases of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one case of tampering with a motor vehicle and malicious damage.
“A total of 19 mobile phones were reported stolen between Thursday and Monday. The highest number was recorded on Sunday with 10 phones, followed by Monday with six phones, Saturday with two phones, and Thursday with one phone,” Chilabi stated.
Other stolen items included six handbags, three laptops, groceries, cash, and personal documents.
He said daily figures showed no cases were recorded on Wednesday. However, two cases were recorded on Thursday, three on Friday, four on Saturday, 16 on Sunday, and seven on Monday.
Chilabi further said a separate road traffic accident involving a pedestrian was also recorded at the main entrance of the Showgrounds.
“The highest number of cases was recorded on Sunday, August 2, 2026, with 16 cases reported. The Zambia Police Service arrested 12 suspects in connection with various offences recorded during the show,” he said.
He said one notable arrest involved a suspect found tampering with a parked motor vehicle and Police recovered a break-in instrument believed to have been used in the commission of the offence.
All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Chilabi said compared to 2025, reported criminal cases dropped from 65 to 32, representing a 50.8 percent reduction and the value of stolen property also fell from K339,590 last year to an estimated K183,950 this year.
“This improvement is largely attributed to enhanced security measures implemented by the Zambia Police Service in collaboration with other security agencies. Increased alertness and security consciousness among showgoers also contributed to the reduction in reported cases,” he noted.
Chilabi thanked showgoers, the Board and Management of the Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia, and exhibitors for their cooperation and commended officers and other security personnel for their commitment.
“Members of the public are encouraged to always remain vigilant, especially in crowded places, by keeping their valuables secure and promptly reporting any suspicious activities or criminal incidents to the nearest police officer or police station,” he said.
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