By Edwin Mbewe
CHIPATA-(MaraviPost)-A cloud of shock and disbelief has engulfed Zambia’s Eastern Province after a Catholic priest was dramatically arrested in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly being in possession of a stolen church vehicle.
Father Simon Tembo, 31, was intercepted around 03:00 hours at the Mwami Road checkpoint in Chipata City, bringing to light a case that has left both church members and the wider community stunned.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the arrest, revealing that the priest was found driving a white Toyota Hilux bearing registration number BAK 4227. Officers became suspicious after noticing visible damage to the vehicle, including a broken left headlamp and a dented fender.
What initially appeared to be a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a major investigation.
When questioned, Father Tembo allegedly claimed he had hit a cow in Katete District and avoided reporting the accident out of fear that Bishop George Lungu would discover his movements. But that explanation only deepened the mystery.
In a startling twist, Bishop Lungu reportedly told police that the vehicle in question had already been involved in a fatal accident just a week earlier—an accident that claimed the life of Father Aston Tembo—and was believed to be beyond repair.
As officers dug deeper, the truth began to unravel.
A detailed inspection revealed that the vehicle’s chassis and engine numbers matched those of a Toyota Hilux, registration number CAA 7255—one that had been stolen from Ukwimi Catholic Parish nearly a year ago, on April 30, 2025.
The vehicle, valued at K700,000, about MK130 million had vanished without a trace after being parked outside church premises, with the theft reported at the time by Father Daniel Phiri.
The arrest of Father Tembo has now raised troubling questions and sent shockwaves through the religious community, with many struggling to reconcile the allegations with his clerical role.
He remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon, as investigations intensify into a case that continues to unfold with dramatic and unexpected turns.
