Lusaka has been rid of one dangerous criminal after the Zambia Police’s Anti-Robbery Squad gunned down notorious robber Justine Ponga in a November 15 shootout.
Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga said about the incident that Ponga had been on the police’s most-wanted list since 2019.
Aged between 35 and 40 years old and a resident of Chipata Compound, the criminal had been wanted in connection with numerous cases of aggravated robbery and murder targeting Chinese and Rwandese nationals in Lusaka.
Hamoonga said the police acted on an informant’s intelligence and tracked down the suspect in the SOS area as he headed to Chunga Township, accompanied by a suspected accomplice.
“Upon realizing they were being followed, the duo attempted to escape, ignoring multiple warning shots fired by officers. In the process, the suspects began firing at the police, prompting the officers to return fire.”
Ponga sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest and back. He was found with a pistol loaded with one round of ammunition. The other suspect evaded capture “despite a prolonged chase”.
