In Western Province, law enforcement officials are actively investigating two separate incidents involving suspected murder and aggravated robbery in the Senanga District.
David Chileshe, the Commanding Officer of the Western Division Police, confirmed these developments in a media statement shared with ZANIS.
The first case involves the suspected murder of 27-year-old Alick Simakamba from Chaisa Compound in Lusaka. His body was discovered on May 4, 2025, inside a non-functional 210-litre deep freezer located at a refrigeration workshop near the Kalez Salaula area in Senanga town. The situation came to light when Laurence Mutandalo, 50, reported to police that Simakamba was his employee at a carpentry shop.
Simakamba had traveled to Senanga District for work and was last seen on May 2, 2025, after finishing his shift. Following his failure to return home, a missing person report was filed on May 4. Tragically, his body was later found in the freezer, showing signs of decomposition.
Police promptly visited the scene to retrieve the remains, which they have since placed in the mortuary at Senanga District Hospital for a postmortem examination. Authorities have opened a murder investigation, and two suspects are currently in custody as inquiries continue.
In a separate incident, 38-year-old Mubita Mebelo, residing in the Lui-Namabunga area of Senanga, fell victim to an armed robbery on April 27, 2025, at around 22:00 hours. Mebelo was attacked by two criminals wielding machetes while he was returning home with his wife and son after selling charcoal at Senanga Boma.
Mr. Chileshe reported that the assailants ambushed Mebelo as he traveled with his ox-cart, stealing items valued at K19,460, which included three heads of cattle and a blue Itel mobile phone. During the attack, Mebelo sustained severe injuries, including a deep cut on his forehead and another on his right thumb, along with general body injuries.
Fortunately, his wife and son managed to escape and alerted nearby villagers, who rushed to assist Mebelo. He was found unconscious but alive and has since been taken to Senanga District Hospital, where he is receiving necessary medical treatment.
