ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE
PRESS RELEASE
WOMAN DETAINED FOR ALLEGED MURDER OF TWO CHILDREN
February 26, 2026 – The Zambia Police Service, through Chelstone Police Station, has detained Mary Kachilika, aged 26, of Meanwood Kwamwena Phase 4, for the alleged murder of two children, aged six years and two years respectively.
The arrest follows a report received on February 25, 2026, at around 14:30 hours by Kwamwena Police Post from Mr. Titus Kamanga, aged 29, of Meanwood Kwamwena Phase 5. Mr. Kamanga reported that his second wife, Mary Kachilika, allegedly threw his two children from his first wife, Fanny Kanyinji, aged 26, into the Ngwerere River.
The incident is alleged to have occurred around 12:00 hours near Ngwerere River in Meanwood Phase 5.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the complainant is in a polygamous marriage, having married his second wife on January 10, 2025.
The second wife reportedly has experienced disputes arising from jealousy, as one wife has children while the other does not.
On the day of the incident, the husband had reportedly gone to work, while the first wife was outside doing house chores . The children were inside the house eating. The mother later heard the children crying and, upon checking, discovered they were missing. She followed the direction of the cries toward Ngwerere River.
At the river, she found Mary Kachilika being pursued by a local fisher man aged 28, who was fishing nearby. He is reported to have witnessed the accused allegedly throwing the children into the river and apprehended her.
Police officers, together with Fire Brigade personnel, visited the scene. However, the bodies of the two children have not yet been recovered, and search operations are ongoing.
Investigations into the matter continue, and the suspect remains in police custody.
Issued by:
Chipo Kaitisha
Deputy Public Relations Officer
Zambia Police Service