By Respite Kaoma,
A male suspect is in police custody in Chingola after being apprehended on Sunday, February 15, 2026, for allegedly abducting a one-year-old child, Joshua Mwansa Zulu.
The incident occurred around 17:30 hours along the Chingola–Chililabombwe Road, where the suspect was found with the child in a taxi.
The matter was reported to police by taxi driver Bowas Meleki, who stated that the suspect had requested transport to the Kafue area at a fee of K15 but failed to pay. This prompted the driver to drop him off along the Chililabombwe Road. Shortly after, the child reportedly began questioning the suspect about where he was being taken, raising suspicion.
In a statement issued to Mafken News, Mwala Yuyi, the Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer, said the child’s mother, Florence Mupila, had left the child in the care of her elder sister, Hellen Mupila, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as she went to work.
He explained that when the mother failed to collect the child later that day, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the situation and abducted the child.
Members of the public later apprehended the suspect and handed him over to police.
Police interviewed the suspect, who reportedly opted to remain silent and failed to provide his personal details.
