NAKONDE DRIVER IN COURT OVER EXPLOSIVES FOUND IN VEHICLE, SAYS THEY BELONGED TO PASSENGER
A 29-year-old Nakonde driver is in Court for allegedly possessing explosives without a licence after police found 6 boxes of explorer explosives and 3 bundles of detonating fuses in the vehicle he was driving.
Harry Simwanza of Mukoma Village has denied the charge of unlawful possession of explosives contrary to Section 14(1) and (2) of the Explosives Act, Chapter 115 of the Laws of Zambia.
Details before court are that Simwanza told police that the explosives belonged to a passenger he had carried from Nakonde who was travelling to Mpika.
Trial in the matter has since commenced before Nakonde Principal Magistrate Anord Kasongomulilo, with a police Inspector from zambia police service Kingsley Mutika giving evidence.
Inspector Mutika told the court that police intercepted Simwanza at Nakonde Police Checkpoint on 30th August, 2026 around 09:00 hours while he was driving an unregistered Toyota Quantum with 5 passengers on board.
The court heard that after police stopped the vehicle and checked what was being carried, a search was conducted which led to the discovery of the explosives.
Inspector Mutika testified that Simwanza had no licence or authority to possess the items
The court also heard that Simwanza explained to police that the explosives belonged to a passenger he had picked up and was transporting to Mpika.
According to Inspector Mutika, when police asked Simwanza to identify the passenger, he said the person had run away.
The court further heard that police questioned the explanation after Simwanza indicated that the alleged owner was seated near the passenger door, which was found open.
Detonating fuses, among the items recovered, are materials used to initiate explosives by carrying ignition from a trigger source to the explosive material.
The matter has been adjourned to 9th September, 2026 for continuation of trial at the Nakonde Subordinate Court.
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