Four police officers from Luangwa Police Station in Zambia are being investigated over allegations of raping an 18-year-old girl who was arrested for idle and disorderly conduct.

The incident reportedly occurred between 10:00 p.m. on December 8 and midnight on December 9 after the officers apprehended the victim outside River Spot Bar in Luangwa’s Kambolozo Compound.

The accused officers Chief Inspector Kebby Hamainde, Sergeant Cuthbert Monde, Constable Morgan Muleya, and Constable Crispin Mutale Chunda allegedly committed the acts while the victim was in their custody.

According to preliminary investigations, Sergeant Monde and Constable Chunda initially apprehended the victim, who was reportedly intoxicated, and brought her to the police station. There, she was allegedly assaulted in a parked car by Chunda, Monde, and Muleya.

Chief Inspector Hamainde is accused of later escorting the victim to Nyabota Lodge, where he allegedly booked a room and assaulted her further.

The victim has filed a formal statement and undergone a medical examination. All four officers are currently in custody as investigations proceed.

In a statement, Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga emphasized the gravity of the allegations. “The Zambia Police Service treats allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness and assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring justice is served,” he said.

Hamoonga reaffirmed the police service’s commitment to upholding the law and warned that officers found guilty of such offenses would face severe consequences. “There is no place in our service for those who violate the rights of the very citizens they are sworn to protect,” he added.

The case has drawn public outrage and renewed calls for police accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Zambia Today