Police detain 23-year-old male in Kafue over alleged murder of 11-year-old girl

Police in Kafue District have detained a 23-year-old male suspect, David Kotamu, in connection with the alleged murder of an 11-year-old girl, Bertha Mwansa Mumbi.

The incident occurred on May 24, 2026, between 14:00 and 16:00 hours in the Chanyanya area of Kafue District, according to Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi.

In a statement issued in Lusaka, Chilabi said at 16:40 hours on the same day, Kafue Police Station received a report from Martin Mumbi, aged 51 and the victim’s father, stating that his daughter had died under suspicious circumstances.

“At 16:40 hours on the same day, Kafue Police Station received a report from Martin Mumbi, aged 51 and the victim’s father, stating that his daughter had died under suspicious circumstances,” Chilabi said.

Police officers proceeded to the scene and found the child unresponsive. She was taken to Chanyanya Rural Health Centre, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a member of the public found the suspect near Chanyanya Harbour, close to where the victim’s body was later discovered.

“The suspect was apprehended and handed over to police. A physical examination of the body revealed bruises on the neck, consistent with strangulation,” he said.

Chilabi stated that the body of the deceased was lying in the mortuary at Kafue General Hospital, pending a post-mortem examination.

He said the motive for the offence was yet to be established and that the suspect was in custody, and investigations were ongoing.

“Further updates will be issued in due course,” Chilabi said.

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