ZAWA scout shoots Chitambo resident

Serenje, July 30, 2014,

A Twenty-eight year old man of Chitambo district in the Central province is battling for his life in the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) after he was allegedly shot at by a Zambia World Life Authority (ZAWA) Game scout.

Serenje District Commissioner Charles Mwelwa confirmed the incident to ZANIS in an interview today saying Lipson Mambwe, 28, was on Thursday last week.

Mr Mwelwa said Mambwe of Mpelembe area was shot at by a ZAWA game scout after he and three others were found fishing in the Kasanka river.

Mr Mwelwa said when word went round that Kasanka game scouts had apprehended some people who they found  fishing  in the river, members of the community decided to follow up the matter at the river.

“When the members of the community met the Game scouts and the suspects whose hands were tied from behind they started asking why they had tied the four when they were not found poaching,” Mr Mwelwa explained.

The District Commissioner said as members of the community were engaged with the Scouts, the two men run away and the ZAWA Scout named Reuben Fundanga 48 of Chief Chitambo’s area allegedly opened fire at them shooting Mambwe in the head.

Mr Mwelwa said the other victim is only identified as ‘Bashi’ Derrick also of Chief Chitambo’s area.

He further said members of the community think ‘Bashi’ Derrick may have died as he has not been seen since the incidence happened.

He said Mambwe was then rushed to Mapepala Rural Health Centre where he was immediately referred to Serenje District Hospital.

Mambwe has since been evacuated to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) from Kabwe General Hospital.

UTH Public Relations Manager Mwenya Mulenga said Mambwe was shot in the skull and is admitted to ward G22 and described his condition as serious.

Police have since taken a warn and caution statement from Fundanga.