By Sibeso Likezo
Police in Western Province have made a breakthrough in the investigation of a murder, aggravated robbery and arson case in Lukulu District after recovering 43 stolen cattle.
The cattle, valued at K370,500, were recovered on June 9 in a dense bush in the Pezo area along the Lukulu-Watopa Road, about 35 kilometres from Kamboyi Village, where the attack occurred on June 6, 2026.
Western Province Police Commanding Officer RAE HAMOONGA told ZNBC News that the recovered livestock belong to a 64-year-old farmer from the Imenda area in Chief Imenda’s Chiefdom.
The animals include cows, bulls, oxen and calves. Some are branded VR/68, while others have no markings.
Mr. HAMOONGA said the cattle have since been secured by the police pending court procedures.
He said the suspects believed to have stolen and driven the animals towards the northern part of the district were not found at the recovery site.
Police have since launched a manhunt to track down those responsible.
Mr. HAMOONGA added that three victims who sustained burn injuries and were assaulted during the attack have been transferred from Lukulu District Hospital to a higher-level medical facility for specialised treatment.
He said the victims are in a stable condition.
Mr. HAMOONGA said investigations into the murder, aggravated robbery and arson cases are ongoing, with police hopeful that the suspects will soon be brought to book.
