14 prisoners escape from custody after murdering police officer
At least fourteen suspects at Nchelenge Police Station in Luapula Province have escaped from lawful custody after murdering a police officer.
Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi has confirmed the development in a press statement.
Chilabi said the Zambia Police has since launched investigations into a suspected case of murder in which Sergeant Frank Phiri, a police officer, was allegedly murdered while on duty.
He said the incident occurred on October 25, 2025, between 04:00 Hours and 05:00 hours.
More from the statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
SUSPECTED MURDER AND ESCAPE OF SUSPECTS FROM LAWFUL CUSTODY AT NCHELENGE POLICE STATION
October 26, 2025, The Zambia Police Service has launched investigations into a suspected case of murder in which Sergeant Frank Phiri, a police officer on duty, was allegedly murdered, and the escape of fourteen (14) suspects from police custody.
The incident occurred on October 25, 2025, between 04:00 and 05:00 hours at Nchelenge Police Station in Nchelenge District, Luapula Province. Preliminary investigations indicate that the officer, who was on duty at the time, was found unconscious and lying in a pool of blood by a fellow officer returning from an operational beat.
He was rushed to St. Paul’s Mission Hospital, where he later succumbed to head injuries. Upon inspection, the cell door was found open, and fourteen (14) suspects who were in lawful custody had escaped.
Additionally, three motorcycles that were kept as exhibits were stolen. A manhunt has since been launched for the escaped suspects.
The Luapula Province Police Command has reinforced manpower and intensified patrols across Nchelenge District. So far, three (3) suspects have been recaptured, and interrogations are currently underway.
The recaptured suspects are:Honest Chuntu – TheftSamson Katandala – Assault (OABH)Sydney Namwango – Conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The following eleven (11) suspects remain at large: Bernard Musonda – Conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace Daniel Chisala – MurderFrancis Chama – Theft Francis Mwengelo – House breaking and Theft Geoffrey Kashimya – Assault on a Child Jackson Chifulo – Defilement of a Child Lazarous Lubuta – Use of Insulting Language Patrick Kabulo – Murder Stephen Bupe – Theft of a Motorbike William Kabaso – Theft by Servant William Kazembe – Use of Insulting Language.
The body of Sergeant Frank Phiri is currently lying at St. Paul’s Mission Hospital Mortuary, awaiting postmortem examination.
The Zambia Police Service mourns with the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Phiri and extends its deepest condolences on this tragic loss.
The Service appeals to members of the public with any information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations. Members of the public will be updated on further findings once investigations and related forensic analyses are concluded.Issued by:
Godfrey Chilabi
DEPUTY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER