Police officer found dead in Lusaka West, case suspected to be suicide

A police officer has been found dead in Lusaka West in what is suspected to be a case of suicide.

The deceased has been identified as Constable Friday Botha, aged 45, who was deployed on static guard duty at a farm in the Barlastone area on September 7, 2025.

According to Assistant Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, the incident was reported to Matero Police after workers at the farm heard gunshots during the night of September 10 and the early hours of September 11, 2025.

“Upon checking later, they found the officer lying in a pool of blood with a firearm beside him,” Chilabi said in a statement on Thursday.

Police officers rushed to the scene and discovered the body of Constable Botha inside the house he was occupying. An AK-47 rifle was found next to him.

“Physical inspection of the body revealed a gunshot wound at the back of the head, believed to be the bullet’s exit point,” Chilabi explained.

He added that while the motive has not yet been established, preliminary investigations point to suicide.

The body has since been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary for postmortem examination.

“The Zambia Police Service deeply regrets the loss of life and conveys heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased officer during this difficult time,” Chilabi said.

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