POLICE in Lusaka have arrested three more suspects in connection with the murder of two suspected PF cadres in Kanyama on Friday last week.

And Police spokesperson Esther Katongo has clarified that the viral pictures of Chinese nationals in police uniform are old ones, at the time when Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja rescinded the appointments.

In a statement, Wednesday, Katongo said the total number of suspects in the murder case was now seven.

“Police in Lusaka have arrested three more suspects in connection with the murder of two people which occurred in Kanyama Compound recently. Those arrested are Patheu Njekwa, Reuben Nalikena aged 22 and Mwendabai Namushi aged 32, all of Kanyama Compound. They have been jointly charged with the other four earlier arrested for murder. The total number of suspects in the murder case is now seven and they will appear in court soon,” Katongo said.

“Two other suspects (names withheld) who were apprehended in the early hours of today are in police custody awaiting identification. Investigations in the matter have continued.”

And Katongo said the Police had also arrested a 23-year-old man of Kanyama for being in possession of offensive weapons.

“Police in Lusaka have charged and arrested a male adult identified as Victor Kamizhi aged 23 who is alleged to have been found in possession of four machetes, five wooden sticks, one knife, one binoculars, one axe, one walk talk radio, two catapults, one spiderman face mask, one gas mask, one baseball bat, and one bottom military attire,” she said.

“It is alleged that on 03rd August, 2021 at about 11:00 hours, military personnel were patrolling around Mbasela area in Kanyama when they spotted a male person putting on military bottom attire and upon spotting the soldiers, he ran into a building in which they found the said weapons. The Military personnel apprehended the suspect and handed him over to police in Kanyama where he is detained in police custody. A docket has been opened.”

Meanwhile, Katongo said the viral pictures of Chinese nationals in police uniform were old ones.

“We have seen photos of Chinese nationals in Police uniform which are trending on social media. We wish to state that the pictures in question are old ones where the Inspector General rescinded the appointments of the same,” said Katongo.

In 2017, Kanganja rescinded the appointment of eight Chinese nationals as police reserve officers massive public outcry.