Police have rescued a 39-year-old pastor, Owen Silozi from Kanyama Township in Lusaka.

He was abducted by five suspected criminals at his church in the John Leing compound.

According to a statement by police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale, the incident occurred on July 14, 2024, around 18:30 hours at the Miracle Center of Fire International Ministries.

Pastor Owen Silozi received a phone call from one of his female congregants, who requested him to meet her at the church.

Trusting his congregant, Pastor Silozi left home and went to the church premises.

Upon arrival, he was met by four men who forced him into a building.

They then bundled him into a nearby motor vehicle, a white Toyota Allion, which sped off,

Witnesses to the incident quickly reported the suspicious activity, describing the vehicle and its direction.

After the abduction, the criminals began calling Pastor Silozi’s wife, demanding a ransom of K10,000 for his release.

The pastor’s distraught wife alerted the police, who swiftly began their investigation.

The following day, around 07:00 hours, police officers managed to track down the suspects.

They rescued Pastor Silozi, who was found with a deep cut on his head, evidence of the torture he had endured.

During the rescue, two suspects were arrested, including Josephine Changwe, 58, the woman who had lured pastor Silozi to church.

Further investigations led the police to a house, where Silozi had been held and tortured.

The owner of the house, Kennedy Mubanga, 25, was also arrested.

The police have launched a manhunt for three other suspects identified as Musonda Mushili, Emmanuel, and Maureen Mwitumwa.

Pastor Silozi, despite his injuries, was reunited with his family, bringing relief and gratitude to his loved ones and his congregation.

As the search for the remaining suspects continues, the residents remain vigilant and hopeful the criminals will be arrested.