Six Zambia Police officers and reserves who allegedly robbed robbers last month, have appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court with a charge of theft by public servant involving over K200,000, about 500 Chinese Yen and US$600, which came into their possession by virtue of their employment.

Meanwhile, a taxi driver who is jointly charged with the six officers has been slapped with two counts of burglary and theft and unlawful possession of a firearm.

In this matter, the six officers and the taxi driver are charged with three counts of theft by public servant, unlawful possession of a firearm and burglary and theft.

The accused persons are: Boyd Mulenga, 32, of Makeni; Maxwel Mwanamwinde, 52, also of Makeni and Freeman Mulenga, 28, all police officers.

Others are: Emilio Butt, 21; Ackim Kamayoyo, 42, of Makeni and Misheck Mudakwa from Makeni, all police reserves, and Timothy Nyirenda, a taxi driver.

In count one; Nyirenda the taxi driver, is charged with burglary and theft.

Particulars of the offence allege that on February 4, 2019, Nyirenda with intent to steal, broke and entered the house of Lui Yu Hua and stole K205,300, 500 Chinese Yen and US$600, property of the said Lui.

In count two, Nyirenda is charged with unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

It is alleged that on February 5, 2019, Nyirenda acting with other unknown persons, had in their possession, two firearms namely a Taurus pistol serial number TBM43825 and an HK405 serial number 22-103472 with 19 rounds of ammunition, without license.

And in count three; Mwanamwinde, Boyd Mulenga, Freeman Mulenga, Butt, Kamoko and Madakwa are charged with theft by public servant.

It is alleged that on February 5, while acting with other persons unknown and employed in the public service as police officers and police reserves respectively by the Zambia Police Service, the six stole K205,300, 500 Chinese Yen and US$600, which came into their possession by virtue of their employment.

And when the matter came up for plea before magistrate Felix Kaoma, Wednesday, the accused persons failed to take plea as one of the accused was absent.

The State informed the court that Nyirenda was in custody and absent in court but the others were present.

The court then adjourned the matter to Friday, March 29, for plea.