PRESS STATEMENT
SUSPECTED MURDER CASES IN LUSAKA
January 4, 2026 – Police in Lusaka have detained a 43-year-old man for allegedly causing the death of his one-year-old child, in a case that initially began as unlawful wounding in Chibolya Compound.
The Zambia Police Service confirms that on January 1, 2026, around 15:48 hours, police received a report from 33-year-old Justina Chabala of Chibolya Compound.
She reported that her one-year-old daughter, Christine Chabala (now deceased), had been injured by her husband, Evans Chabala, aged 43.
The circumstances surrounding the matter are that the couple was at home around 15:00 hours when a quarrel reportedly occurred.
During the altercation, the suspect allegedly picked up a television antenna to strike his wife. In the process, an aluminium bar from the antenna hit the baby, who was strapped to her mother’s back, causing a deep head wound.
Concerned neighbours apprehended the suspect and took him to the police, while the child was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where she was admitted.
On January 2, 2026, around 11:00 hours, the child was confirmed dead.
The suspect remains in custody pending formal charges.
The child’s body is at the University Teaching Hospital mortuary, pending a postmortem examination.
In another incident, police have recorded a murder case involving 35-year-old Joseph Mbuzi of Kanyama Compound. The incident occurred on January 3, 2026, around 21:00 hours, in Lumumba Area, Lusaka.
The deceased, a caretaker at a farm in Mungule, Chibombo District, was accused of stealing 3,000 building blocks, which he allegedly sold to a neighbour.
While being taken to Kanyama Police Station by the complainant and family members, he was reportedly attacked by members of the public in an act of mob justice, sustaining multiple injuries.
He was taken to Kanyama Level One Hospital, where he later died.
One suspect is currently in custody.
Investigations in both incidents are ongoing.
The Zambia Police Service strongly condemns mob justice and urges the public to report crimes to the police.
Issued by:
Godfrey Chilabi
Public Relations Officer.
