.Former Sport,Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister

By MAYA NTANDA –

FORMER Sport, Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister Stephen Masumba has been arrested for alleged unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Mr Masumba was detained at Kitwe Central Police Station on New Year’s Day after he allegedly fired a gun in the air at a public place.

The incident happened on New Year’s Eve within the Kitwe town centre.

Acting Copperbelt Police Chief Joyce Kasoso said the former deputy minister was detained and charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Ms Kasosa, however, said Mr Masumba was released on police bond on Wednesday and that the case was still under investigation.

She said police had asked Mr Masumba to produce documents to establish the legality of the firearm.

Mr Masumba, who is Mufumbwe Member of Parliament, narrated that on New Year’s Eve, he was travelling to Ndola where he was scheduled to officiate at a church function the following day.

He said he first went to Mufulira to see a relative admitted to Ronald Ross Hospital and on his way back, he noticed a motor vehicle trailing him and flashing lights at him.

Mr Masumba explained that when he reached the Sabina police check point, the vehicle disappeared and he, therefore, decided not to inform the officers.

He said as he proceeded on the Kitwe-Chingola dual carriage way, he noticed the same vehicle moving at high speed and continued trailing him until he reached Kitwe.

Mr Masumba narrated that he drove onto Freedom Way and when the vehicle continued pursuing him, he drove past the traffic lights and decided to seek refuge at a public place.

He said the vehicle drove ahead of him and blocked his car.

“The vehicle was trailing me and moving at a high speed and because I am not very familiar with Kitwe, I went and parked at the drinking place and the same vehicle drove ahead of me, blocked me and two people came out of the vehicle.

“I got scared and I gave a first warning shot and the two men ran away. I then started looking for Honorable Mwenya Musenge’s mobile number to inform him of what had happened and in the process, police officers appeared,” he said.

Mr Masumba said he was relieved to see police officers and accompanied them to the police station where he ‘stayed’ for two hours and gave his statement.

He said he was asked to produce documents to determine the legality of the gun today.