Zambia: Lawmaker arrested for murder

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambian police have arrested an opposition member of parliament for allegedly killing his security guard in the early hours of Saturday.

Police spokeswoman Esther Katongo told journalists at a media conference that the lawmarker has been charged with murder for allegedly shooting his security guard, who was apparently trying to protect a woman he was beating .

“We have in custody, Keith Mukata, an opposition member of parliament for the Chilanga constituency who killed his security guard using a pistol. After conducting a search, police found one empty cartridge at a crime scene and one pistol,” she said.

“The suspect has been charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and battering a woman,” she added.

According to police, the United Party for National Development (UPND) lawmarker, who is also a former deputy justice minister, remains in custody. There is no bail for a murder charge in Zambia.