THE Zambia Police Service is seeking the help of the public in apprehending one of their officers who turned rogue and stole over K600,000 from Zanaco Bank situated at the Civic Centre in Lusaka on Monday afternoon.
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On the the fateful day, constable Emmanuel Tembo, assigned to the Protective Unit Headquarters, is said to have turned his back on his oath to protect and instead staged a solo heist from inside a secured bank facility as the business came to a close.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has confirmed that Tembo was assigned to security duty at Zanaco Civiv Centre branch and was armed with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds.
After the bank had closed for the day and staff were preparing for cash-in-transit collections, Tembo allegedly entered the bulk room under false pretenses, grabbed a sealed cash bag containing K622,483, and bolted from the premises.
Attempts by staff and other security personnel to stop him failed as the armed officer fled in an unknown direction.
In a strange twist, Tembo later surrendered his weapon, ammunition and police uniform through a taxi driver in Shimabala area.
While his firearm and gear were recovered, neither the suspect nor the stolen money has been located.
Now, the Zambia Police has vowed to stop at nothing to track down the officer and ensure that he faces the full weight of the law.
Hamoonga condemned Tembo’s actions, calling it a blatant abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust.
“We wish to make it categorically clear that this act of criminality will not go unpunished. Constable Tembo is now a fugitive of the law, and the Zambia Police will relentlessly pursue him to ensure that he answers for this crime,” Hamoonga stated.
Hamoonga revealed that a docket of case has been opened and investigations are ongoing.
Hamoonga also used the incident to reassure the nation that such conduct does not reflect the broader discipline within the police service.
He emphasised that the Zambia police service remains committed to maintaining strict discipline, ensuring accountability, and enforcing the law fairly including among its own members because in this force, no individual is exempted from justice.
“Any person with credible information is urged to report to the nearest Police Station,” Hamoonga made and appeal to the public.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba September 17, 2025
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