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The Zambia Police Service has instituted investigations into a case of manslaughter involving the death of a one-year-old child, identified as Clifford Muleya, following an alleged tongue-tie cutting procedure in Chilanga District.
Preliminary investigations indicate that on September 25, 2026, around 17:00 hours, the child was taken by his mother, Loveness Ngandu, 27, to the house of Enn Pitrosi, 98, in the Chipapa area of Chilanga after suspecting that the child had a tongue-tie condition locally known as akalimba.
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the detention of Pitrosi in a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday.
It is alleged that Pitrosi cut the suspected tongue-tie at her house using a finger, resulting in an injury inside the child’s mouth and subsequent bleeding.
The child later became weak and was rushed to Kazionele Clinic, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“The Zambia Police Service has instituted investigations into a case of manslaughter involving the death of a one-year-old child, identified as Clifford Muleya, following an alleged tongue-tie cutting procedure in Chilanga District,” Chilabi said.
He said the matter was reported to Chilanga Police Station around 18:00 hours on September 25, 2026, after which police officers visited and processed the scene. The body was later taken to the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
“Ms. Enn Pitrosi has been detained in police custody, and a warn-and-caution statement has been recorded from her as investigations into the matter continue,” Chilabi said.
He advised members of the public, particularly parents and guardians, to seek professional medical care from qualified healthcare practitioners and to avoid allowing unqualified persons to perform medical procedures on children.
“The Zambia Police Service advises members of the public, particularly parents and guardians, to seek professional medical care from qualified healthcare practitioners whenever children require medical attention and to avoid allowing unqualified persons to perform medical procedures,” Chilabi said.
Chilabi noted that a similar incident was recorded in Chingola on September 22, 2026, in which an eight-month-old child died following an alleged tongue-tie cutting procedure.
He said the Zambia Police Service would provide further updates as investigations progressed.
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