Police confirm Yuyi Mwala’s arrest, charge former Copperbelt police boss in US$448,596 copper case

LUSAKA – In a significant development reverberating across Zambia, police authorities have officially confirmed the arrest and subsequent charging of former Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner, Yuyi Mwala, in a high-profile case involving the alleged theft and illegal disposal of copper cathodes worth a staggering US$448,596. This confirmation puts an end to weeks of intense speculation that followed Mr. Mwala's abrupt transfer from his influential Copperbelt posting, a move that many observers had linked to the burgeoning scandal. The case underscores the government's renewed commitment to tackling corruption, even within the ranks of its senior law enforcement officials. The charges against Mr. Mwala stem from an elaborate scheme involving 436 copper cathodes, which were reportedly being transported from the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa. Police investigations revealed that the truck carrying the valuable consignment was allegedly diverted into Zambia, where the copper was subsequently recovered in Mufulira District between March 6 and March 9, 2026. However, instead of being secured, the copper was reportedly released to a private individual through what police describe as a fraudulent disposal process, culminating in its auction despite the rightful owner being identified. Mr. Mwala, who previously served as the commanding officer for Copperbelt Province, faces one count of Theft by Public Servant. He is not alone in the dock; several other individuals, including police officers Patrick Muti and Boniface Nchimunya, Clerk of Court Obrian Chipunza, and Magistrate Edward Banda, all based in Mufulira, have been jointly charged. Their charges include Theft by Public Servant and Giving False Information to a Public Officer. Additionally, businessman Daniel Makina faces charges of Receiving Property Suspected to Have Been Stolen and Giving False Information to a Public Officer. All six suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear in