Kanyama woman sues State for K1.5 million over alleged stray bullet injuries

A Kanyama businesswoman is demanding K1.5 million in compensation from the state after a stray bullet fired by a police officer left her with severe abdominal injuries, intense pain, and disrupted her livelihood.

Maureen Mwape, a trader who sources goods both locally and internationally, filed the case on September 23, 2025, citing the Attorney-General and the Zambia Police Service as defendants.

She claims that on July 13, 2024, while inside her home in Kanyama, a bullet from an AK-47 assault rifle in the custody of a police officer struck her in the lower right abdomen.

Mwape was first rushed to Kanyama Level One Hospital before being referred to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), where doctors confirmed the bullet had lodged in her abdomen. Surgery to remove it was only conducted 15 hours after the incident, leaving her in prolonged pain and distress.

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“That in the course of the 15 hours operation aforesaid she suffered extensive trauma, pain, psychological distress and financial loss due to the incident,” the claim reads.

She further stated: “That by reason of the unfortunate stray bullet wounds, the plaintiff has been unable to continue her trading business which is hers and her family’s sole means of livelihood.”

Mwape submitted that repeated appeals for help to Kanyama Police Station and the Lusaka District Police Command yielded no response.

She accused the Zambia Police of negligence and recklessness, alleging their failure to safeguard public safety directly resulted in her injuries.

The businesswoman revealed she has spent heavily on medical treatment, surgery, and post-operative care, and continues to endure pain and emotional suffering. Before the shooting, she reportedly earned K19,000 in monthly profits from her trading business.

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