Posted Sep 03, 2009
Namwala, September 03-ZANIS-Police in Namwala yesterday arrested a 78 year-old man of chief Nalubamba’s area who has been on the run after he allegedly had canal knowledge with a minor early this year.
Mr Simeon Hamapongo of Chinkola Village is alleged to have defiled the 13 year-old school girl of Sigwindi village in the same area and eluded police who went to arrest him at the time.
District Commissioner Mr Willson Siaduka confirmed the arrest of the man who is in Police custody to ZANIS today.
“ I can confirm that police have finally arrested the suspect who had eluded them since February, 2009 and is now in police custody awaiting trial in the courts of law,” said Mr Siaduka.
And Mr Siaduka thanked Hodi, a non-governmental organization [NGO] operating in the District for assisting Namwala Police with logistics to bring the culprit to book.
Meanwhile, Namwala Police sources say there has been little progress in tracking down the remaining four suspects who escaped from lawful custody on June 18 this year due to lack of transport and other logistics.
Only one suspect was apprehended following a tip off from members of the public.
The five suspects escaped from lawful custody after they overpowered a lone Police Officer who was on duty that night.
Police sources told ZANIS that Officers at most times have had to use their money to buy fuel to enable them carryout operations.
The sources also complained of understaffing with only 15 Officers out of the required establishment of over 40 Officers adding Officers are forced to work double shifts as a result.
The sources further called government to attend to their plight if the crime levels were to be abated in the District.