Lumezi, Zambia – April 26, 2026 – A tragic incident has been recorded in Lumezi District of Eastern Province, where a 26-year-old mother of two reportedly took her own life after being confronted by family members over allegations that she was dating a married man.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has confirmed the incident, which occurred on April 26, 2026, around 08:00 hours, at Mali Village in Mwanya area, under Chief Mwanya.
Deceased Identified as Agnes Phiri
According to police, the deceased has been identified as Agnes Phiri, aged 26, of Mali Village.
“The deceased has been identified as Agnes Phiri aged 26 of Mali Village in Chief Mwanya’s area in Lumezi District, a mother of two who allegedly [took her life] using a chitenge material,” Mweemba said.
Family Dispute Allegedly Triggered the Incident
Police investigations indicate that the incident followed a misunderstanding between the deceased and her younger brother earlier that morning.
Mweemba explained that around 06:00 hours, Agnes went to fetch water at a nearby borehole when her younger brother, Goodson Sakala, aged 21, confronted her.
“Brief facts of the matter are that around 06:00 hours the deceased went to fetch water at a nearby borehole where her young brother, Goodson Sakala aged 21, confronted her over allegations that she was having a relationship with a married man identified as Ndili Sakala of Masumba Village,” Mweemba explained.
Police said the brother warned Agnes to stop the relationship, alleging that the man she was involved with was related to their late stepfather.
Fight Broke Out at the Borehole
Police stated that the confrontation angered the deceased, resulting in a physical fight between the siblings before members of the public intervened and separated them.
The matter was later reported to their mother, who also advised Agnes against continuing the relationship.
“Their mother equally advised her that she could not get married into a family where she had once been married, which further upset the deceased,” Mweemba said.
Woman Allegedly Threatened Suicide
Police further revealed that after the family confrontation, Agnes threatened to take her own life.
“She went into the house where she picked a knife and her mobile phone and threatened to kill herself, but family members did not take the threat seriously,” Mweemba added.
Body Found in Nearby Bush
After the incident, Agnes reportedly left home around 08:00 hours and walked toward a nearby bush. When she did not return, her brother and mother reportedly followed her path.
“At around 09:00 hours, the two located her body [suspended] from a tree in a nearby bush using a chitenge material,” Mweemba said.
The matter was reported to a Community Crime Prevention Officer, who later informed police at Mwase Waminga Police Post.
Police officers visited the scene and recovered a knife and a mobile phone believed to belong to the deceased.
Police Say Signs Point to Suicide
Preliminary investigations suggest that the woman took her own life.
“The body had a protruding tongue, a stretched neck and faecal matter, with no visible injuries noted, suggesting suicide,” Mweemba stated.
Family Requested Burial Without Postmortem
Police said the body was later released to the family for burial after relatives requested to bury the deceased without a postmortem, as no foul play was suspected.
However, the family was advised to mark the grave in case a postmortem examination becomes necessary in future.
Police Appeal to Families to Take Threats Seriously
The incident has once again raised concerns about mental health, domestic conflict, and emotional distress in communities.
Police and community leaders continue urging families to take suicide threats seriously and seek intervention early, as misunderstandings can quickly turn tragic.
© TV Yatu | April 26, 2026