The Zambia Police Service has arrested three suspects in connection with the suspected murder of retired Zambia Air Force Brigadier General Mike Obistor Mbewe, aged 65.
Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha confirmed the development to Byta Radio.
She explained that on February 23, 2026, at around 14:00 hours, a 14-year-old male juvenile from Chainda Compound reported the discovery of an abandoned silver Toyota Hilux, registration number BAF 5805, near the Assemblies of God Church in Chainda, Lusaka.
Kaitisha revealed that the vehicle is believed to have been parked at the location between 22:00 hours on February 22 and 13:00 hours on February 23, 2026.
She disclosed that police officers responded promptly and recovered the vehicle.
Kaitisha narrated that the vehicle keys were found in the possession of a 19-year-old male juvenile of Chainda Compound, who informed officers that he had collected the vehicle from the NAPSA Flats area together with Gift Chisenga before parking it near the church.
She recounted that later that same day, at around 16:00 hours, Ethel Mbewe, aged 49, reported her brother, Brigadier General Mike Obistor Mbewe, missing.
Kaitisha stated that he had left his residence in Chongwe on February 22, 2026, at around 18:00 hours and had not returned home.
She indicated that subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Gift Chisenga, aged 24, of 10 Miles in the Mungule area, on February 25, 2026.
Kaitisha added that further inquiries resulted in the apprehension of Christopher Banda, aged 23, of Chainda Compound.
She highlighted that preliminary investigations indicate Christopher Banda allegedly met the deceased in Chainda Compound and drove him to a nearby mountainous area.
Kaitisha pointed out that it is alleged that while at the location, Brigadier General Mbewe became unconscious.
She emphasised that police suspect he may have been poisoned.
Kaitisha explained that the suspects allegedly abandoned him at the scene and drove his vehicle back to Chainda Compound, where it was later recovered.
She revealed that the suspects subsequently led officers to a mountainous area in Meanwood Ibex, where the body of Brigadier General Mbewe was discovered.
Kaitisha confirmed that the body has since been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
She clarified that the three suspects – Christopher Banda aged 23, Gift Chisenga aged 24, and a 19-year-old juvenile – are currently in police custody.
Kaitisha said investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive, remain ongoing.
