THE skeletal remains of a 14-year-old boy, Jason Phiri, who had been missing for several months, have been discovered in Mankwala village, Sinda District and fingers point to the mother and brother at the moment.
The grim finding comes shortly after a similar case in Lusaka, where skeletal remains of a husband were found in his home close to two years after his death.
Jasoni, who resided with his 56-year-old mother, Deliya Mwale, and 30-year-old brother, Moses Phiri, was reported missing between February and March 2025.
His remains, including a skull, hip bones, ribs, and part of the spine, along with a torn pair of jeans matching those he was last seen wearing, were found by 42-year-old Mathews Sakala of Mankwala Village.
According to Eastern Province police commanding officer Robertson Mweemba, Jason was employed as a herd boy.
He left work and returned home as usual but failed to report for duty the following day.
His employer, 53-year-old Aliness Banda, grew concerned and inquired about his whereabouts from Jason’s mother and brother, who claimed he had traveled to Mozambique for business.
Mweemba revealed that Jason’s disappearance went unreported for months until his uncle, Charles Mwale, 47, traveled from Lusaka after hearing about it.
Disturbed by the lack of action, Mwale pressed Jason’s mother and brother for answers, but they provided evasive and inconsistent explanations.
Mwale then took them to the police station, where a missing person report was finally filed.
Despite initial searches by both the family and police, no progress was made until yesterday’s discovery.
Due to their suspicious conduct and failure to report the matter promptly, Jason’s mother and brother have been arrested and are currently in police custody.
They may face criminal charges. Mweemba added that the arrests also serve to protect them from a mob that had gathered, suspecting their involvement in the boy’s death.
The remains have been handed over to the family for burial, with instructions to mark the grave for potential future exhumation and further medical examination.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 28, 2025
