Police in Lusaka have arrested a taxi driver in connection with the murder and aggravated robbery that occurred on October 24, 2024, resulting in the death of a female student.
Assistant Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the development to Byta FM Zambia News.
Chilabi says a female student from ZIPS Nursing School, identified as Silvia Nanjela, aged 24, booked a taxi around 02:00 hours from the Twin Palm area to Kamwala South.
He says she was accompanied by a friend who exited the vehicle in Kamwala, while she continued alone to Kamwala South.
Chilabi explains that upon arrival at her residence, the suspect, who was driving the taxi, was asked to stop the car by the gate.
He says Silvia took her black handbag, which contained money, and removed K100 to pay the driver.
Chilabi says as she was about to exit the car, the taxi driver struck her repeatedly on the head with an empty bottle.
He says despite her shouts for help, the driver started the car and drove away with her still inside.
Chilabi says Silvia struggled with the driver, shouting for help, but he continued to strike her with another bottle.
He stated that in her attempt to escape, she became entangled in the seatbelt, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a drainage.
Chilabi revealed that hearing the commotion, a good Samaritan came to her aid, prompting the driver to flee the scene with her handbag containing K400, leaving his vehicle, a Toyota Vitz with registration number BLB 6050, with the keys still inside.
He says Police arrived at the scene and found Silvia, who had sustained multiple head injuries.
Chilabi says she was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where she was admitted and later succumbed to her injuries after three days.
He says upon investigations were instituted, and police apprehended the suspect.
Chilabi says the vehicle has been impounded, and the suspect is in custody and will appear in court soon.
BYTA FM