Copper Cathodes Worth K16.8 Million Stolen in Chingola

Two trucks loaded with copper cathodes were found abandoned along the Chingola-Chililabombwe road near Hippo Pool area, with their cargo missing.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba tells Mafken News that the incident is believed to have occurred between August 22nd 2024 at 17:00 hours and August 23rd 2024 at 07:00 hours.
Mr Mweemba explains that the trucks, a Scania and a Benz, were carrying a combined load of 37 bundles of copper cathodes valued at K16.8 million.

The Commanding Officer has revealed that the drivers, both Congolese nationals identified as Lumbu Lumingu Azim and Wungudi Ekanga Alphonse, had picked up the consignment from CCR Mine in Congo on August 15th, 2024. After crossing the Kasumbalesa border post on August 22nd 2024, the drivers were en route to Polytra Zambia’s Kitwe warehouse when they suddenly stopped communicating with their supervisor.
He further reveals that the abandoned trucks were found with their ignition keys still inside, but the drivers and the copper cathodes were missing. Preliminary investigations suggest the theft took place in Chililabombwe before the trucks were abandoned.

Mr Mweemba explains that no arrests have been made, and the copper cathodes have not been recovered but a docket has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.

By Comfort Nthala