Police detain two teenage girls over suspected murder of 18-year-old in Kamwala South

The Zambia Police Service has detained two female juveniles, aged 15 and 16, in connection with the suspected murder of 18-year-old Taonga Phiri of Kamwala South, Lusaka.

The matter was reported to police on June 22, 2026, around 20:30 hours by Michael Malambo, aged 40, who reported the death of his daughter under suspicious circumstances.

Police Spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday.

Preliminary investigations indicate that on June 21, 2026, between 08:00 and 11:00 hours, the 15-year-old juvenile now in police custody contacted her mother and informed her that the deceased had collapsed at a residence in Kamwala South.

“She also alerted a nearby relative, who immediately proceeded to the residence and found the victim lying unconscious and unresponsive,” Chilabi said.

He said the victim was subsequently rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced her dead on arrival.

Investigations conducted so far suggest that the deceased may have been assaulted and strangled. It was further alleged that unknown tablets were administered after the incident in an attempt to make the death appear to be a case of suicide.

“Following further inquiries, police detained both the 15-year-old and 16-year-old juveniles in connection with the matter,” Chilabi stated.

He said the body of the deceased has been deposited in the UTH Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

“The motive behind the incident has not yet been established, and investigations remain ongoing,” Chilabi said.

He stated that the Zambia Police Service would provide further updates as the investigation progressed.

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