Six-week-old baby recovered after being kidnapped in Lusaka, suspect arrested

A six-week-old baby girl has been safely recovered after being kidnapped in October 2025 by a woman identified as Esther Musonda Phiri, aged 44, who has since been arrested for child stealing, the Zambia Police Service has announced.

The baby’s mother, Astridah Chanda, reported the incident to police on October 28, 2025, after her daughter went missing in Mbasela area of Lusaka’s Kanyama Compound.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said officers conducted an intelligence-led operation and apprehended the suspect on November 14, 2025.

Chilabi added that the child was recovered, and an identification parade was conducted, during which Chanda and other witnesses positively identified Phiri.

Investigations revealed that Phiri had renamed the child “Jenipher Monta Mwila” and forged documents, including an Under-Five Card, to falsely claim the child as her own.

“The suspect’s actions were despicable. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice is served,” he said.

Chilabi further revealed that DNA analysis confirmed Chanda as the biological mother, while Phiri was conclusively excluded as the mother.

He said Phiri had been charged with Child Stealing, contrary to Section 171(1)(a) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

“Esther Musonda Phiri’s alleged actions are a serious offense and we will ensure that she faces the full force of the law,” Chilabi stated.

He added that the child remained under the temporary care of the Department of Social Welfare pending court proceedings.

Chilabi vowed that the police would continue protecting children and the public, employing forensic tools and evidence-based methods to ensure thorough investigations.

“We are committed to protecting our citizens, especially the vulnerable. We urge anyone with information on similar cases to come forward and report to the police,” he said.

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