Lusaka police detain man for allegedly killing one-year-old; another murdered in mob-justice

Police in Lusaka have detained a 43-year-old man for allegedly causing the death of his one-year-old daughter, in a case that initially began as unlawful wounding in Chibolya Compound.

On January 1, 2026, around 15:48 hours, police received a report from 33-year-old Justina Chabala of Chibolya Compound. She told officers that her daughter, Christine Chabala, had been injured by her husband, Evans Chabala, 43, according to Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi.

The incident reportedly occurred around 15:00 hours when the couple was at home. During a quarrel, the suspect allegedly picked up a television antenna to strike his wife.

In the process, an aluminium bar from the antenna struck the baby, who was strapped to her mother’s back, causing a deep head wound.

“Concerned neighbours apprehended the suspect and took him to the police, while the child was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where she was admitted,” Chilabi said.

He stated that on January 2, 2026, the child was confirmed dead. The suspect remains in custody pending formal charges.

“The child’s body is at the University Teaching Hospital mortuary, pending a postmortem examination,” Chilabi added.

In a separate incident, police recorded a murder case involving 35-year-old Joseph Mbuzi of Kanyama Compound. The incident occurred on January 3, 2026, around 21:00 hours in Lumumba Area, Lusaka.

“The deceased, a caretaker at a farm in Mungule, Chibombo District, was accused of stealing 3,000 building blocks, which he allegedly sold to a neighbour,” Chilabi said.

While being taken to Kanyama Police Station by the complainant and family members, Mbuzi was reportedly attacked by members of the public in an act of mob justice, sustaining multiple injuries.

He was rushed to Kanyama Level One Hospital, where he later died. One suspect is currently in custody.

Investigations in both incidents are ongoing.

Chilabi condemned mob justice and urged the public to report crimes to the police.

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