Police in Nchelenge District have detained a couple in connection with the suspected murder of a one-year-old boy who was allegedly killed and secretly buried in a bushy area.
The child has been identified as Justine Mwansa, aged one.
According to police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, preliminary investigations indicate that the child’s mother, Doreen Mpundu (24), married John Chishimba (40) in 2025.
Stepfather Allegedly Refused to Accept Child
Police suspect that the child, who was born from Mpundu’s previous relationship, was allegedly not accepted by his stepfather.
It is alleged that on the night of February 20, 2026, Chishimba became angry and assaulted the child by headbutting him.
Chilabi told TV Yatu that the child reportedly lost consciousness the following morning and later died.
Couple Allegedly Buried Child Secretly and Relocated
Police further allege that the couple secretly buried the child in a bushy area without reporting the death to authorities. After the burial, the couple allegedly relocated to another village.
The matter is said to have remained hidden for months until it resurfaced following a domestic dispute.
Case Discovered After Mother Reported to Headman
The suspected murder came to light on May 4, 2026, after a misunderstanding reportedly occurred between the couple.
Mpundu is said to have reported the issue to a local headman, where she allegedly revealed details surrounding the child’s death.
The headman then mobilised members of the Community Crime Prevention Unit (CCPU), who apprehended the couple and handed them over to police.
Body Recovered in Decomposed State
Officers from Nchelenge Police Station followed up on the report and recovered the child’s body, which was found in a decomposed state.
Police have since detained the couple as investigations continue. A post-mortem examination has not yet been conducted.
The case has sparked outrage, with many members of the public calling for justice for the deceased child.
Source: TV Yatu | May 6, 2026
