POLICE in Lusaka have launched a manhunt for a Kalingalinga man who is alleged to have assaulted an Anglican Priest whilst he was preaching at the pulpit.

It is alleged that the said man, only identified as Mwale, ordered the priest to stop preaching but when he resisted, he began dragging him and also punched him in the face.

This is according to a statement issued by Zambia Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo, Sunday.

“Police in Lusaka are looking for a male adult only identified as Mwale of Kalingalinga Anglican church alleged to have assaulted an Anglican Church Priest whose names we have withheld. This occurred today, 22nd November, 2020 at 10:30 hours in Lusaka’s Kalingalinga compound whilst the Priest was preaching at the pulpit. It is alleged that the accused person went to the pulpit where the priest was and ordered him to stop preaching, and when the Priest resisted, he began dragging him and also punched him on the face with fists and he sustained swollen lips,” stated Katongo.

“Initial Investigations have revealed that the accused person is among a group of church members fighting the Priest over the church car park space. It is further alleged that the Priest has been calling for church elections and this has angered some church members. A medical report form has been issued and a manhunt for the suspect who is currently on the run has been launched.”

Katongo further stated that Police who went to the scene found the church locked and members dispersed.

She added that Investigations in the matter have continued.