A TRUCK driver is on the run after allegedly stealing copper concentrate worth over US$80,000 which was in transit.
Goodson Mutemba, a driver from Zam Fastest Logistics Limited, is believed to have disconnected the truck’s global positioning system (GPS), switched off his phone and later abandoned the truck, which was laden with copper concentrate.
Copperbelt Province police commanding officer Peacewell Mweemba said the theft of goods in transit was reported by company manager Wang He.
Mr Mweemba said Mr Wang reported that one of the drivers of Lusaka’s Zanimuone Township allegedly stole copper concentrate in transit valued at US$80,280
“On December 28, 2022 around 11:30 hours, the driver of a Shacman truck registration AIC 1642 ZM and trailer registration BAL 2889 ZM laden with copper concentrate started off from Kasumbalesa border en route to Durban in South Africa,” he said.
“He made a stopover in Chambishi around 01:00 hours for 30 minutes and proceeded with the journey up to Kabwata area along Ndola-Kabwe road in Masaiti where he made another stopover around 03:12 hours.
“The truck never moved from that point and the GPS was disconnected, which in turn prompted the reporter to make inquiries about the truck.”
Last Friday, Mr Wang noticed that the truck was stationed somewhere around Kabwata area on the Ndola-Kapiri road and the GPS was still disconnected. He then spotted it near the Kafulafuta weighbridge abandoned with the copper concentrate missing.
“The driver was nowhere to be seen,” Mr Mweemba said. “The truck was found with keys inside and the doors were not locked. The matter was reported to the police, who in turn visited the scene and found the truck parked at Mupapa junction, with the trailer empty.
“Documents for the copper concentrate were found inside the truck, bearing the name of the driver.”…
