Murder suspect dies after suspected poisoning

A 51-year-old man who was wanted in connection with the alleged murder of a 43-year-old man in North-Western Province has died after allegedly ingesting a suspected toxic substance in Lusaka.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, said the incident happened on Wednesday around 20:50 hours at the suspect’s residence in Kaunda Square Stage 1.

The deceased, identified as Andrew Sinyenga, was a suspect in the alleged murder of Nsoche Zulu in Kalumbila District, North-Western Province.

Chilabi said following the murder report, Sinyenga fled Kalumbila and travelled to Lusaka.

He said the suspected suicide was reported to police around 21:00 hours by Sinyenga’s 77-year-old mother.

“Police officers followed up the report at his residence and apprehended him. Upon noticing signs that he had already ingested a suspected toxic substance, they immediately rushed him to Kaunda Square Stage 1 Clinic for medical attention, where he later died,” Chilabi said.

Police Crime Scene Technicians processed the residence and recovered a bottle of insecticide, a bottle of energy drink, an HP laptop and two mobile phones.

Chilabi said the recovered items had been secured as exhibits as investigations continued.

The body was deposited at the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary, where a postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the cause of death.

Police have since opened an inquiry file to establish the full circumstances surrounding Sinyenga’s death.

Chilabi said investigations were ongoing and further updates would be provided as the inquiry progressed.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.