Guard Kills Suspect During Burglary at Kamakya Gold Plant in Kassanda

Police in Kassanda are investigating a death by shooting that occurred during the night of 3rd January 2026, when an unspecified number of burglars broke into the premises of Kamakya Gold Ore Processing Plant in Lugongwe LC I, Lugongwe Parish, Kijuna Sub-county, Kassanda District.

SSP Lameck Kigozi, the PRO for the Wamala Police Region, said that at around 8:40 p.m., Onyait Daniel, a guard on duty and a staff member of Quantico Securico Company, detected unusual movements by individuals who were not expected at the plant at that time.

When the guard stopped the suspects to establish their identity, they scattered in different directions, prompting him to fire a shot at one of the fleeing individuals. The bullet struck the suspect in the chest, killing him instantly.

Police personnel from the Lugongwe Police Mineral Protection Unit, under the command of Sgt Makhoha Jimmy, responded to the scene and were later joined by the Kassanda District Scene of Crime Officer.

The body of an unidentified adult male was removed from the scene and conveyed to Kassanda Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination.

A submachine gun, an AK-47 bearing registration number UG Pol PSO 56400151010447, was recovered from the scene.

Only the guard who fired the shot, Onyait Daniel, is currently in police custody to assist with investigations.

Police have cautioned the public in Kassanda and neighbouring areas against trespassing in highly security-sensitive premises. Where access is unavoidable, prior permission must be obtained from the management of such facilities.