Police stop K1.1 million zinc oxide theft, arrest four Chinese and Zambians in Ndola

In a quick operation, police have stopped a theft attempt of zinc oxide valued at over K1.1 million, arresting four Chinese individuals and three Zambians believed to be behind the failed heist.

The shipment of minerals was on its way from STL Mine Ville in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, to Singapore through Dar es Salaam, but it was illegally redirected to Ndola’s industrial area. The truck, a Scania with Tanzanian license plate T731 ASM, made an unauthorized stop at Jesum Industry Company where the suspects started unloading the cargo.

Thanks to information from a GPS tracking system, officers acted quickly and caught the suspects in the act. The police have secured both the truck and its valuable powdered cargo as part of their ongoing investigations.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Tuesday, calling the operation part of their ongoing fight against organized crime and the protection of goods being transported through Zambia.

“A case of attempted theft involving zinc oxide worth US$45,521.32 has been successfully stopped due to quick and coordinated police action,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

The seven suspects are now in police custody and will likely face charges.

Authorities have also issued a strong warning to potential criminals, saying that Zambia will not be a place for illegal activities, especially those involving foreign nationals and commercial cargo in transit.

The suspects are being held at Ndola Central Police, waiting for their court hearings.