Police today re-arrested seven men accused of stealing drugs worth over K3 million from Medical Stores Limited immediately after their case was discontinued.

This is in a matter in which Paul Bwalya, a Medical Stores Limited warehouse assistant, his assistant Kalaluka Munyandekwa and a driver Ananias Simumba are jointly charged with two Congolose nationals and other Zambians for theft by servant and breaking into a building with intent to commit a felony.

When the matter came up before Lusaka magistrate Greenwell Malumani today, public prosecutor Like Pumulo applied to have the matter discontinued pursuant to section 88 of Criminal Procedure Code.

The court discharged the accused persons but warned them of a possible re-arrest.

True to the court’s warning, some plain-clothed police officers and a prosecutor stood by the accused in the dock, fearing that they would escape, an action which amazed accused’s lawyer.

But Magistrate Malumani reminded the officers that the seven could only be re-arrested outside the court room.

Immediately after the accused persons emerged from the courtroom after the case was dismissed, they were handcuffed and led to the police station.

Allegation are that Munyandekwa, Bwalya and Simumba between January 2016 and August, 2017 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown being a person employed as warehouse assistants and driver of Medical Stores Limited did steal assorted medicine altogether valued at K3,001,223 the property of the said employer.

And in the third count, Ntambwe Chikomba, Kalaluka Munyandekwa, Paul Bwalya, Ananias Simumba, Moses Sakala, Oliver Chipapala, between January 2016 and August 2017 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, dude steal assorted drugs altogether valued at K3,001,223.30.