THE long arm of the law has reached into the shadowed corners of Zambia, making police officers trek 30 kilometers for their salaries, just to apprehend a suspected criminal linked to highway robberies.
Police announced the arrest of Joshua Mwindilila, 41, apprehended on Saturday, in Chikangabwe West, Mumbwa District.
He is believed to be a buyer of stolen items which were stolen by criminals who attacked drivers on the highway. 
Following his arrest, another individual known to be a prime suspect and accomplice connected to the March 2, 2025, attack on a tanker truck driver was apprehended, deep in the hills, found constructing a makeshift shelter to cool off the heat that trailed behind him.
Mwindilila is suspected of being a buyer of stolen goods related to the incident while Justin Muchala, a primary suspect in the attack, was arrested the following day in Kafue Gorge hills.
These arrests are fruition of police investigations into the highway robbery where John Samakayi, 55, was attacked while driving a Shacman tanker truck on the Chirundu-Kafue Road.
According to the police, the suspects stole property valued at K6,850.
The criminals act found its way on social media after the vehicle’s video footage was shared online causing an uproar by Netizens who wished death on the criminals for the robbery.
Collaborating with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), Police officers conducted operations in multiple locations until they caught up with their targets.
“His (Mwindilila’s) apprehension follows multiple attempts to evade law enforcement, including in Simwambwa Hills, off Malengo area in Chirundu, and later at Turn Pike in Kafue District.”
“Officers had to walk 30 kilometres in difficult terrain to reach the suspect, given the lack of an access road in the area,” said police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga.
Furthermore, police disclosed that Justin Muchala, the prime suspect of the truck attack, who was working with three others, was found hiding in the hills of Kafue Gorge, where he was constructing a makeshift shelter.
The suspect, is now detained in police custody for further investigations.
Hamoonga said the police will continue to pursue all individuals involved in criminal activities targeting truck drivers on the Kafue-Chirundu Road and other highways.
Meanwhile, The Zambia Police Service has increased patrols along the Chirundu-Kafue road and is urging the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
