A 53-year-old man of Lusaka’s John Laing Compound has shot a suspected criminal three times, leaving him with gunshot wounds on his right arm and leg after he found him stealing rabbits at a named house.

According to a statement issued, Tuesday, acting Police Spokesperson Danny Mwale stated that Kelvin Simpungwe was shot by Febian Watamuka around 03:00 hours when he was found stealing rabbits with two others.

He added that Simpungwe and two others passed on the rabbits to their colleagues who were currently on the run.

“A suspected criminal sustained gunshot wounds after being shot at three times when he, together with two others were found stealing rabbits at a named house in Lusaka’s John Laing Compound. Fabian Watamuka aged 53 of John Laing Compound, shot at Kelvin Simpungwe who sustained gunshot wounds on the right arm and right leg. This occurred today (Tuesday) around 03:00 hours when the three suspects were found stealing rabbits which they later passed on to their colleagues who are currently on the run,” he stated.

Mwale stated that about 14 rabbits valued at K1,500, were stolen.

He stated that two other suspects were detained in police custody while Simpungwe was admitted to the University Teaching Hospital.

“14 Rabbits were stolen all valued at K1,500. Two other suspects identified as Roderick Kabamba aged 23 and Taulayi Chilyata aged 20 all of John Laing Compound are detained in Police custody while Kelvin Simpungwe is admitted to the University Teaching Hospital,” Mwale stated.

He stated that a pistol believed to have been used in the shooting incident was recovered from the owner, adding that Police had instituted investigations into the matter.

Meanwhile, in another statement issued, Tuesday, Mwale warned members of the public not to fall prey to unscrupulous individuals who were impersonating Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja on Facebook.

He stated that Kanganja was not connected to the Facebook account that was trending on social media and was therefore distancing himself from the scam and its contents.

“There is a Facebook account alleging to be for the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kakoma Kanganja and the same is trending on Social Media. Be informed that the Inspector General of Police is not connected to the said account and therefore wishes to distance himself from the scam and its contents. Members of the public are warned not to fall prey to unscrupulous individuals impersonating the Police Chief and other well-meaning citizens,” Mwale stated.

He stated that police had instituted investigations into the matter and that those behind the syndicate would soon be brought to book.