July 2001 Africa News Headlines

Tuesday, July 17, 2001 - Web posted at 10:48:15 GMT

Man held for murder of top Zambian politician

LUSAKA - Zambian police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of Paul Tembo, a top politician shot dead in his home by two unknown gunmen, police said on Sunday.

??as arrested after police received an anonymous tip on his dealings, police spokesperson Lemmy Kajoba said."

"We are making some headway. One notorious criminal has been picked up and is currently in our custody," Kajoba said.

He declined to identify the suspect, but said he was a well-known gangster.

Tembo was brutally murdered in his house two weeks ago, hours before he was due to testify in a two billion kwacha (N$1 230 000) embezzlement case involving three cabinet ministers.

Opposition parties and local human rights groups have accused President Frederick Chiluba's government of masterminding the killing in order to prevent Tembo from incriminating the ministers.

Tembo was Chiluba's close confidante and campaign chief before he defected to join the opposition weeks before his death, prompting speculation that his murder was politically motivated.

-Nampa-Sapa-AFP

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