Three injured in Solwezi road accident, driver beaten by mob

Three people have been left injured in an accident that occurred at Kawanda–Kimasala road junction, opposite Solwezi Day Secondary School at approximately 12:30 hours.

The accident involved a Mercedes Benz ML4 bearing registration number ACX 9047, which was being driven by Joseph Ilela, aged 33, of Kimasala Compound, Solwezi.

Police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday.

Police preliminary investigations indicate that IIela, due to excessive speed, failed to control the motor vehicle while turning from Kawanda into Kimasala Road.

IIela in the process hit three pedestrians who were exiting the church building at St. Stevens Roman Catholic Church.

The victims have been identified as follows:

Female Jennifer Matalaushi, aged 54, who complained of general body pains.

Female Elizabeth Matalaushi, aged 52, who sustained a fractured hand.

A female juvenile, aged 9, sustained a cut on the left hand, bruises on the right thigh, and general body pains.

“All three victims were rushed to Solwezi General Hospital where they are currently admitted and reported to be in stable condition,” Hamoonga said.

He said brief facts of the matter established by Police in Solweze were that the motor vehicle was being driven along Kawanda Road from south to north.

Hamoonga stated that while attempting to join Kimasala–Muzabula Road, the IIela lost control due to excessive speed and ran into the pedestrians, who were coming out of church that was reportedly also attended by Citizen First Party leader Harry Kalaba.

“Following the incident, the driver was forcibly removed from the vehicle and beaten by a mob, in the process sustained a cut on the forehead and complained of general body pains,” he said.

Hamoonga said the driver was receiving treatment at Urban Clinic and it has also been reported that the motor vehicle key was grabbed from him by an unknown person during the commotion.

He said the matter was under active investigation and necessary measures were being taken to ensure that justice prevails.

“The Zambia Police Service continues to urge all road users to exercise maximum caution and observe speed limits, especially in residential and school zones, to avoid such unfortunate incidents,” Hamoonga stated.

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