Police in Kassanda District have launched investigations into a fatal shooting that occurred during a suspected burglary at Kamakya Gold Ore Processing Plant in Lugongwe LC1, Lugongwe Parish, Kijuna Sub-county.
The incident took place on the night of January 3, 2026, at around 8:40pm, when an unknown number of individuals allegedly broke into the highly secured facility.
According to preliminary police reports, Onyait Daniel, a security guard attached to Quantico Securico Company, noticed unusual movements within the plant by people who were not authorised to be there at that time.
When the guard attempted to stop the suspects and asked them to identify themselves, they reportedly fled in different directions.
In response, Onyait discharged his firearm, aiming at one of the fleeing individuals. The bullet struck the suspect in the chest, killing him instantly.
Officers from the Lugongwe Police Mineral Protection Unit, led by Sergeant Makhoha Jimmy, swiftly responded to the scene. They were later joined by the Kassanda District Scene of Crime Officer to document and secure the area.
Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson Lameck Kigozi confirmed that the body of an unidentified adult male was retrieved from the scene and transported to Kassanda Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination. He also revealed that a submachine gun, an AK-47 with registration number UG POL PSO 56400151010447, was recovered during the operation.
The security guard involved in the shooting is currently in police custody to assist with investigations as inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
Police have issued a strong warning to members of the public in Kassanda and neighbouring districts, urging them to refrain from trespassing in high-security installations.
Authorities emphasized that access to such facilities must only be granted with prior authorisation from management to avoid potentially fatal consequences.
