BAROTSE ‘REBEL’ NABBED

A MEMBER of the Western Province-based group calling itself ‘Newly-Formed Barotseland Liberation Army’ has been arrested by police on grounds of attempting to cause political instability in the region.

Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja confirmed the arrest of the named official in an interview yesterday, but declined to divulge much information as investigations continue.
Mr Kanganja said the member, who was apprehended on Saturday, was currently in police custody in Western Province.
He warned the ‘army’ to beware that it was not in their interest to break the law.
The Barotseland liberation army has been distributing flyers indicating that politicians from outside the region would not be allowed to hold political gatherings there.
“So far one member of the Barotseland liberation army has been arrested, but I cannot release any further details as investigations into the matter are still on-going.
“This person was arrested during the course of yesterday (Saturday) and the nation will be informed in due course on the charges that they will face, but for now, this is all I can say,” Mr Kanganja said.
Meanwhile, a minibus driver who ran over a female traffic officer in Lusaka on Saturday has been charged with attempted murder.
Steven Phiri, 23, of Mtendere Township, was slapped with the charge after he ran over Marjory Moyo in an attempt to escape from her along the Great East Road.
Police acting public relations officer Esther Katongo confirmed the charging of Phiri in an interview yesterday, and said the police were now after the owner of the minibus.
Phiri was driving a Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number ALJ 7248, when he ran over Constable Moyo after she tried to impound the vehicle.
Phiri, who had no driving licence and whose vehicle had no fitness certificate, was apprehended on the spot while Ms Moyo was rushed to Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital where she was currently admitted.
Mr Kanganja who visited Ms Moyo yesterday expressed shock at the incident.
He wished the victim, whose condition is stable, a quick recovery.

Times of Zambia