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Police in Lusaka are investigating a series of robberies in Chilenje and surrounding areas following the arrest and subsequent death of a suspect linked to the crimes.
According to police, Estella Mwape, 20, reported to Chilenje Police Station on March 4 that she had been attacked earlier that evening while walking near the Old State House area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the attack occurred around 7:30 p.m. when a male suspect struck Mwape on the head with an object and stole her mobile phone.
Mwape sustained cuts and swelling to her face and was referred to Chilenje Level One Hospital for treatment.
Chilabi said Mwape raised an alarm during the incident, prompting members of the public to pursue the suspect, apprehend him before handing him over to police.
“He was found in possession of two cellphones: one belonging to Mwape and another believed to have been stolen during a separate robbery,” he said.
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Police said the suspect initially identified himself as Victor Lubasi, 39, and admitted to attacking Teresa Kasonde Lupiya, 38, on March 3, leaving her with serious injuries including a laceration to her ear.
Further investigations later established his identity as Collins Kasiye Soma, 39, an ex-convict linked to seven robberies in Chilenje and Libala between December 2025 and March 2026.
Police said the suspect allegedly targeted pedestrians, particularly women, in the evenings, stealing phones, cash and other personal belongings while often causing serious injuries.
During investigations, the suspect led officers to several crime scenes and demonstrated how the attacks were carried out, which involved seven female victims on different dates and locations.
“On June 6, 2026, while voluntarily leading police officers to recover stolen phones in the Central Business District, the suspect suddenly lost consciousness,” Chilabi said.
He said the suspect was taken to Sikanze Police Hospital and later referred to University Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“The body is currently at the UTH Mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination and formal identification. Investigations into the matter remain ongoing,” Chilabi said.
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