Police in Western Province are looking for a man identified as Nyambe Lienda of Katoya Village in Kalabo District for suspected poisoning of six people, three of whom died, while others are still hospitalized.

Police spokesperson Esther Katongo disclosed in a statement that, Lienda of unknown age, a daily classified employee at Nyingo Rural Health Centre in Kalabo, is suspected to have administered a drug to the six victims on September 8, 2018, on the pretext that the drug was able to cure all ailments.

“The suspect is reported to have administered a drug to the six females on 8th September, 2018, at about 14:00 hours on pretext that the drug was able to cure all ailments after which three identified as Nosiku Biemba, Namushi Nyambe and Sibeso Biemba died the same day, while three others Liyoyelo Nyambe, 51, Namakau Nyambe, 66, and Manawa Kalumbu, 52, are still hospitalized at Kalabo District Hospital. The drug administered to the victims has not yet been ascertained. The suspect is on the run and a manhunt has been launched. We appeal to those who could have information on the whereabouts of the suspect to report to any nearest police,” Katongo stated.

And Katongo revealed that police in Western Province also recovered three AK 47 rifles from three suspected assassins, commonly known as Karavinas, believed to be behind murders involving people suspected of practicing witchcraft in the area.

“The suspects were apprehended after police had an operation following a tip-off from members of the public. They are currently detained in police custody and the operation has continued. Being in possession of illegal firearms is an offence, hence we appeal to all those in possession of illegal firearms to take advantage of the Firearm Amnesty and surrender them before they are arrested and prosecuted,” stated Katongo.