A 22-YEAR-OLD medical student from the University of Zambia’s Ridgeway Campus has been found dead in a bush near Sun City Hotel in Lusaka, a week after he was reported missing, in what police suspect the learner had taken his own life.
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The deceased, Abel Nsapato, was a fourth-year student at Ridgeway Campus who had been missing since August 9, sparking concern among his family, friends, and fellow students who mounted a frantic search across Lusaka.
His body, which was already in a semi-decomposed state, was discovered around 18:20 hours yesterday by passersby who quickly alerted Kalingalinga area Councillor Mukubesa Nyoni.
He in turn reported the matter to Mtendere Police Station through Kalingalinga Police Post.
According to police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the deceased was found lying on his back, dressed in black jeans, a light-blue sweatshirt and black-and-white canvas shoes.
Flies were around his body and not far from him was an empty bottle of pesticide, a clue that he may have taken his own life through poisoning.
Following the discovery, his body was taken to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary where a postmortem was conducted and medical findings confirmed suspicions of poisoning as the likely cause of death.
“We urge people facing mental distress to seek counseling, psychosocial support or help from relevant professionals instead of taking their own lives,” Hamoonga stated.
Burial of the young medical student took place today at Mutumbi Cemetery in Chamba Valley.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 18, 2025
