PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has directed the Zambia Police Service and other security agencies to carry out thorough investigations and ensure that all individuals connected to the murder of a Chingola woman in Kalumbila are identified, arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
In a statement, President Hichilema assured the public that there will be no impunity in the matter.
On Friday, 46 year old Eneless Kamutumbe was attacked between 11:00 and 13:00 hours in Kisasa area after a 25 year old man, Prince Ntambo, accused her of causing his manhood to vanish.
According to reports, Ntambo raised alarm shortly after coming into contact with the woman at a local market, claiming his equipment had suddenly disappeared.
The accusation sparked panic among members of the public, who quickly formed a mob and turned on the woman.
Within minutes, the mob armed itself with sticks, stones, planks and other objects and descended on Kamutumbe, repeatedly assaulting her.
A concerned member of the public attempted to hide her in a nearby house, but the crowd followed, dragged her out and continued the attack.
Police officers who rushed to the scene were also attacked with stones, making it difficult to rescue the victim.
Kamutumbe later died from the injuries sustained during the assault and her body was dumped along the Mwinilunga-Solwezi Road before police managed to retrieve it.
She was taken to Wumi Mini Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival and her body has since been deposited in the mortuary awaiting a postmortem.
Eight suspects, including Ntambo, have since been arrested to assist with investigations while three police officers were injured in the incident and a police vehicle had its windscreen smashed by the mob.
Reacting to the incident, President Hichilema said he was appalled by the brutal killing, stressing that nothing justifies mob justice.
“That is not how the Republic of Zambia works, and it is not who we are as a people. Extrajudicial violence of this kind is a heinous crime and will be treated as such,” he said.
“Suspected crimes or misdemeanors should always be reported to law enforcement agencies and not unilaterally acted upon.”
The President also expressed disappointment that the crime appeared to have been largely perpetrated by young people, despite repeated calls for strong family values.
He extended his condolences to the victim’s family, with State House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka stating that justice would be served.
“The President extends his deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Eneless Hellen Kamutumbe. She deserved better. Her memory deserves justice and justice will be done”
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, March 22, 2026
