A resident of Masaiti district is recuperating from a gunshot injury, allegedly inflicted by an individual believed to be a soldier amidst a clash involving smugglers.

Peacewell Mweemba, the Copperbelt Province Police Commander, reported that the incident took place on Wednesday around 13:00 hours at Maria Chimona Area in Masaiti District.

According to Mweemba, Sunday Chipulu, aged 30 and residing in Maria Chimona, was reportedly shot by individuals suspected to be soldiers from an unidentified unit within the Zambian Army.

The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the right calf during the altercation.

Mweemba explained that the altercation arose when plain-clothed individuals presumed to be Zambian Army soldiers, armed with firearms, engaged in a confrontation with alleged smugglers. This clash resulted in a suspected soldier being severely assaulted by a mob.

“In the midst of the chaos, the victim was shot in what seems to be a retaliatory act during the confusion,” Mweemba mentioned.

The alleged soldier involved is currently receiving medical attention at the Northern Command Military Hospital in Ndola, while the victim is undergoing treatment at Ndola Teaching Hospital. Fortunately, the victim’s condition is reported as stable.

Police have initiated an inquiry into the matter to ascertain further details surrounding the incident.